Culture And Development Essay

Edward B. Tyler defined culture as “that complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs and any other capabilities acquired by man as a member of society”. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines development as “the gradual growth of something so that it becomes more advanced and stronger”. There is a nexus between culture and development. That is one way or the other; they are dependent on each other. Nevertheless, there are some aspects of culture which tries to hinder and halt development and these aspects of culture are called cultural barriers. They get in a way of a country’s development but it does not inevitably mean that countries with such flaws cannot develop. There have been series of researches which have dealt into this matter to bring to light countries with these negative aspects of culture but have been able to develop. The main motive of this work therefore is to make known such cultural barriers and how they can be overcome to ensure progressive development.

To start with is ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is a belief in or assumption of superiority of the social and cultural groups that an individual belongs to. The phenomenon is quite predominant in many African countries where they are made up of different ethnic groups. This takes the form of nepotism and favouritism where tribesmen in influential positions favour their fellow tribesmen to fill in vacant positions who in one way or the other may not be qualified. This brings about inefficiency as square pegs are put in round holes. This issue of ethnocentrism and tribalism at the long run hinders development. It can also lead to conflict as the oppressed, dominated, ruled and minor groups will revolt against the dominant...

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...y of other social problems. But this cannot always be the case as countries like Ghana and Togo with lower population as compared to China and India are less developed. China and India with high population growth can boast of a better economy than Ghana and Togo. Countries with higher population growth will always get the opportunity to choose from a very wide range of individuals who are skilled for a particular job. Also, because of high population growth it will always attract many investors to come and invest in such countries which will ensure development.

In summation, it is quite clear that cultural barriers may exist but this should not be a main factor that should seal a country’s fate. It must also be understood that development is multi–dimensional and not uni-dimensional and for that matter culture alone cannot determine a country’s fate in development.