Write a Critique of Michael P. Todaro’s Definition of Development
Todaro defines development “as a multidimensional process involving major changes in social structures, popular attitudes, and national institutions, as well as the acceleration of economic growth, the reduction of inequality, and the eradication of absolute poverty. Development, in its essence, must represent the whole gamut of change by which an entire social system, tuned to the diverse basic needs and desires of individuals and social groups within that system, moves away from a condition of life widely perceived as unsatisfactory and toward a situation or condition of life regarded as materially and spiritually 'better'.” (1985:85) Todaro believes there are three core values of development and these core values are life-sustenance, self-esteem and freedom to choose. In this essay, different views towards Todaro’s definition of development will be discussed.
Economics plays a major role in the development process. Regarding development, to increase in the levels of living of people is a major aspect. Referring to Todaro, life sustenance means to the ability to provide basic necessities. All people have certain basic needs without which life would be impossible. (Todaro, 1981) This means to raise people’s level of livings, their incomes and consumption levels of food, medical services, education etc., through economic growth processes . Economic growth refers to a rise in national or per capita income and product. If the production of goods and services in a country rises, by whatever means, one can speak of that rise as economic growth. (Economic Development Glossary 2003) Todaro claims that economic growth is a necessary condition to improve the quality of life. The World Trade Organization (WTO) also argues that growth of trade between countries may increase the wealth of everyone. ( World Trade Organization 2002) Globalization has helped to lessen the problem of poverty in a large number of developing countries which allows those countries to
Economics plays a major role in the development process. Regarding development, to increase in the levels of living of people is a major aspect. Referring to Todaro, life sustenance means to the ability to provide basic necessities. All people have certain basic needs without which life would be impossible. (Todaro, 1981) This means to raise people’s level of livings, their incomes and consumption levels of food, medical services, education etc., through economic growth processes . Economic growth refers to a rise in national or per capita income and product. If the production of goods and services in a country rises, by whatever means, one can speak of that rise as economic growth. (Economic Development Glossary 2003) Todaro claims that economic growth is a necessary condition to improve the quality of life. The World Trade Organization (WTO) also argues that growth of trade between countries may increase the wealth of everyone. ( World Trade Organization 2002) Globalization has helped to lessen the problem of poverty in a large number of developing countries which allows those countries to
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