Défense Du Concept De Développement Culturel En Sociologie

Abstract

Abstract Starting from the observation that all contemporary societies, whether developed or industrial, have to look for a balance between tradition and modernity, Joffre Dumazedier argues that the concept of cultural development is the best tool to study how societies strive to reach such a balance. After reminding us that such a perspective of study has been opened by K. Mannheim, the author analyses the advantages and the limits of the concepts of culture and of cultural change which are more frequently used in sociology than the concept of cultural development. It is shown that the latter concept provides a more comprehensive understanding of the process under study because it implies a triple concern: 1) for a more efficient economic development; 2) for a more egalitarian social perspective; 3) for an improved participation but also through voluntary self education throughout the lifecycle. Finally, the two main characteristics which distinguish the concepts of culture and cultural change from the concept of cultural development are brought out (i.e. the latter implies the construction of criteria for improvement and the construction of social indicators of cultural development).