Midterm - Admission/Application Essay Example

Moreover, the study also explores the extent to which ‘stage theories’ of development have informed actual development projects, through the use of two examples. Stage theories of development generally focus on changes in the social institution and conception of the people along with technological changes. Stage theories of development are essentially based on the assumption that the elements in the system generally move through a pattern of distinct stages over time. Correspondingly, the explanation of stage theories is grounded on their distinguishing characteristics.

Historically, the origin of stage theories of development rests on Platonism and the medieval religious beliefs as well as on Enlightenment faith. However, it has been argued that the stage theories of development grew primarily in the context of European expansion and colonialism. The stage theories of development are firmly rooted back to the situation of post–World War II. The economists in the industrialized nations have no apparently available conceptual apparatus for measuring the economic growth.

Therefore, a lack of appropriate conceptual apparatus for measuring the economic growth served as the cornerstone for the evolution of the stage theories of development. Furthermore, the lack of development in other nations predominately burdened with unskilled labor, inability to plan and administer development projects also constituted towards the growth of stage theories of development. The emergence of the stage theories of development can also related with the assumption held by the people that the emergence of such theories will facilitate in attaining development and change within the society.

It was believed that such theories will also assist in changing morale and cultural values. The stage theories of development are firmly based on the assumption that development is a sporadic process that rests on