Social Development Theory - Essay Example

Social Development Theory Article Summary According to Garry and Harlan, social development is the process of bringing organization to human activities and energies to advanced levels with an aim of achieving better results. Development is important as it heightens the level of using man’s potential. Without applicable theory, social development no doubt becomes a process that involves experimentation based on trial and error. This kind of experimentation has a highly uneven progress and a high rate of failure. Indeed many problems experienced across the world are a result of inadequate knowledge to govern and guide how things should be done under different circumstances. Progress in development theory may improve the rate of social success in the very same way that developments in theoretical physics have led to the multiplication of technological achievements in recent times. Social development comprises two aspects that are closely related; application and learning. By learning, the society comes to discover better methods of accomplishing goals that may result in economic and social goals. In other words, human’s consciousness expands as a result of discovery. On the other hand, social organization is enhanced through the application of what has been learnt. The society grows in reaction to the interaction between and contact with other humans and their social, material and intellectual environment. Also worth noting is the fact that external threats, pressures that result from social and physical conditions, the complex nature of human behavior, and the mysterious nature of the humans prompt human beings to experiment, innovate and create. The end result of the experiences that result out of these contacts is learning that occurs in three levels based on human existence. At the highest or mental level, human knowledge is enhanced. On the social plane, it results in the learning of vital attitudes, organizational skills, institutions and systems which enable individuals to better interact with other people and societies. Lastly, on the physical plane, the process helps people gain novel physical skills that enable them to apply their energies more effectively and efficiently. The learning process outlined above culminates in the organization of information, social systems, and physical skills which are helpful in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of activities performed by human beings. It is noted that theory or conceptual knowledge when organized into a system, becomes most powerful. The theory of social development puts in place a stable foundation upon which the common principles that underlie the process of development at different periods, in different countries and fields can be discovered. According to the authors, social development theory has for a number of reasons remained elusive. Four main reasons include lack of proper focus on theoretical concepts, the huge number of conditions and factors that impact the social development process, timeframe and the impact of science and technology. The authors call for the establishment of a spherical whole; a framework that integrates all factors that influence social development. Using independent India as a case study, the authors discuss the issue of value creation and development. Yet again, the article highlights what they feel are determinants of social development. The government of a nation seemingly plays a significant role in social development of the country. This is revealed as the authors explore events and accomplishments of different countries and regions including Eastern Europe, China, South Korea and Taiwan. Also explored in the article are social-cultural authority, education, technology, phases of human choice and know how, and their impacts on social development. Moreover, different motives behind development are briefly explored by the authors. In its summary, the article highlights the numerous similarities that exist between business development and social development, and further summarizes the principles behind social development. Article Critique Garry’s and Harlan’s article is rich in content that is drawn from past experiences from different parts of the world. While the article does not rely on primary data, it discusses several weighty issues related to social development and invokes and relies upon secondary sources that are reliable - including the United Nations (UN). While the order presents information logically and coherently, it lacks graphics to further keep the audience glued to it. The article is unbiased as it focuses on different countries across different divides and maintains its objective of analyzing social development. The information provided by the article may be found useful to many social development scholars and interested parties in spite of the fact that it was written close to 10 years ago. The article should be reviewed or somehow edited to update its content and save it from being outdated. In addition, the authors should have presented some data in charts, and graphs which are easier to interpret and remember. Website Critique Accuracy The webpage has the names of the article’s authors – Garry Jacobs and Harlan Cleveland. The article is published by the International Center for Peace and Development (ICPD). On a different webpage is information about ICPD; the organization’s credentials are given together with details of its governing board. The website provides a way of contacting the organization and the article writers; the organization’s physical and postal addresses are given together with its email address and a phone number. These are as follows: ICPD 2352 Stonehouse Drive, Napa California 94558, telephone: (707)252-4697, and email: gj@icpd.org. Authority International Center for Peace and Development is a registered organization based in the United States and has a preferred domain (.org). The credentials of its board who are also the writers of the article are given. Harlan is a professor, an author, educator and international diplomat who died on 30th May 2008. Garry is a business and economic development consultant who has worked with several reputable organizations including MSS Research. The article has referred to other people’s works and credits them accordingly which means that the authors and publishers respect other people and give credit where it is due. Objectivity The information provided by the article is not biased and is not in favor of a particular product or organization. The webpage and other WebPages in the website have no adverts. The website also hosts no blogs and other content that may tarnish its objectivity. Coverage The web content comprises mainly of writings. Very little graphics are used; in this respect the website is unbalanced and appears is uninspiring as one can easily lose interest when all that is presented is information in writing. The website does not require one to install special software to view its content. Any web browser may be applied to access the page. In addition, the content is freely accessible to potential readers and has no limitations whatsoever. The subject of discussion is in-depth and the grammar used is impeccable. Although the content was written in 1999, many people will still find it useful and credible today as it content has remained credible. Conclusion Based on accuracy, authority, coverage, and objectivity, the article is credible and reliable although it needs to be updated. The publisher and the authors are reputable and can be relied on to provide true information and data that can be used in decision making. Works Cited Garry Jacobs & Harlan Cleveland (1999) Social Development Theory. Viewed 16th March, 2010 http://www.icpd.org/development_theory/SocialDevTheory.htm Read More