Definition of Development and Underdevelopment
Development
is the process of improving the economic, social, and political well-being of a country or region (World Vision, 2023). Underdevelopment
is the state of inadequate economic, social, and political progress, often characterized by poverty, inequality, and limited access to resources and opportunities (World Vision, 2023).
Key Facts
- Definition of Development and Underdevelopment:
- Development: It refers to the process of improving the economic, social, and political well-being of a country or region.
- Underdevelopment: It refers to the state of inadequate economic, social, and political progress, often characterized by poverty, inequality, and limited access to resources and opportunities.
- Factors Affecting Development and Underdevelopment:
- Economic Factors: Access to capital, technology, infrastructure, and natural resources.
- Social Factors: Education, healthcare, social services, and social inequality.
- Political Factors: Governance, stability, corruption, and political institutions.
- Global Poverty and Underdevelopment:
- Approximately 9.2% of the world’s population, or 719 million people, live on less than $2.15 a day.
- Extreme poverty is largely concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Children and youth account for two-thirds of the world’s poor, and women represent a majority in most regions.
- Poverty is not solely about income but also about lack of access to resources and basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare.
- Development Strategies and Initiatives:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 goals established by the United Nations to address poverty, inequality, climate change, and other global challenges.
- Foreign Aid and Development Assistance: Financial and technical support provided by developed countries to developing countries to promote development.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of individuals, organizations, and institutions in developing countries.
Factors Affecting Development and Underdevelopment
Several factors can influence development and underdevelopment, including:
- Economic FactorsAccess to capital, technology, infrastructure, and natural resources (World Vision, 2023).
- Social FactorsEducation, healthcare, social services, and social inequality (World Vision, 2023).
- Political FactorsGovernance, stability, corruption, and political institutions (World Vision, 2023).
Global Poverty and Underdevelopment
Global poverty and underdevelopment are significant challenges, with approximately 9.2% of the world’s population, or 719 million people, living on less than $2.15 a day (World Vision, 2023). Extreme poverty is largely concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa (World Vision, 2023). Children and youth account for two-thirds of the world’s poor, and women represent a majority in most regions (World Vision, 2023). Poverty is not solely about income but also about lack of access to resources and basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare (World Vision, 2023).
Development Strategies and Initiatives
Addressing development and underdevelopment requires comprehensive strategies and initiatives, including:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)A set of 17 goals established by the United Nations to address poverty, inequality, climate change, and other global challenges (World Vision, 2023).
- Foreign Aid and Development AssistanceFinancial and technical support provided by developed countries to developing countries to promote development (World Vision, 2023).
- Capacity BuildingEnhancing the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of individuals, organizations, and institutions in developing countries (World Vision, 2023).
References
- OECD Development Matters (2019). 5 facts about global poverty that may surprise you. https://oecd-development-matters.org/2019/03/14/5-facts-about-global-poverty-that-may-surprise-you/
- Rowan University. Poverty and Underdevelopment. https://chss.rowan.edu/centers/inter_majors/interdisciplinary_programs/internationalstudies/global_security_resource/global-security-problems-folder/poverty.html
- World Vision (2023). Global poverty: Facts, FAQs, and how to help. https://www.worldvision.org/sponsorship-news-stories/global-poverty-facts
FAQs
What is the difference between development and underdevelopment?
Development refers to the process of improving the economic, social, and political well-being of a country or region, while underdevelopment refers to the state of inadequate economic, social, and political progress, often characterized by poverty, inequality, and limited access to resources and opportunities.
What are the main factors that affect development and underdevelopment?
Several factors can influence development and underdevelopment, including economic factors (e.g., access to capital, technology, infrastructure), social factors (e.g., education, healthcare, social services), and political factors (e.g., governance, stability, corruption).
What is the extent of global poverty and underdevelopment?
Approximately 9.2% of the world’s population, or 719 million people, live on less than $2.15 a day. Extreme poverty is largely concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. Children and youth account for two-thirds of the world’s poor, and women represent a majority in most regions.
What are the consequences of underdevelopment?
Underdevelopment can have severe consequences, including poverty, inequality, food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare and education, and environmental degradation.
What are the main strategies for promoting development?
Addressing development and underdevelopment requires comprehensive strategies, including promoting economic growth, investing in education and healthcare, strengthening governance and institutions, and addressing inequality and social exclusion.
What role do international organizations play in promoting development?
International organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, play a significant role in promoting development by providing financial and technical assistance, supporting capacity building, and advocating for policies that foster development.
What can individuals do to contribute to development?
Individuals can contribute to development by supporting organizations working to address poverty and underdevelopment, advocating for policies that promote development, and raising awareness about global issues.
What are the challenges to achieving development?
Achieving development is a complex and challenging process, and there are several obstacles that can hinder progress, including poverty traps, inequality, conflict, and environmental degradation.