Human Development: Concept and Strategy

Abstract

The chapter deals with the evolution of the concept of human development, beginning from an exclusive focus on economic prosperity to capability development and enabling. It details how the concept broadened enough to incorporate well-being and gave rise to the idea of the Happiness Index. The chapter also takes a cultural perspective and tries to contrast the values that drive people in the West and in the East. It also points out ways in which largely Western value-driven development may be detrimental to human development in the Indian context. The chapter suggests an alternative way of conceptualizing human development in the context of India, which would take care of the cultural values of embeddedness, coexistence, spirituality and consideration for others. It also critiques the present method of providing material help to the poor without actually developing their capabilities, which fosters excessive dependence in them on aid agencies. It details the ways in which a psychological approach can be used within an institutional framework to develop capacities of people.