Disciplinary Contributions: Political Science

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 24, Heft 1, S. 44-68

Abstract

Contemporary pol'al theorists are seen to have added little to the study of development since K. Marx, M. Weber, & E. Durkheim. Development is now a problem of universal concern, but it remains to be defined as a problem. Only econ's seems to have found some criteria by which to define it in the strict econ sense. Examples are cited. Development is a problem of choice in planning. Constraints are set by the scarcity of resources & by the fact that all projects cannot be implemented at the same time. Choice is also involved in strategies to be used (the role of the gov vs that of private individuals & firms). The role soc sci'ts ought to play to generate development-oriented educ needs to be clarified. 3 conceptual approaches in recent development studies are explored: normative, structural, & behavioral. Representative of the 1st is Talcott Parsons, of the 2nd, David Apter, of the 3rd, Leonard W. Doob. This last is the most recent & as yet scattered orientation; it has been able to incorporate methodologically both normative & structural variables. These 3 dimensions taken together suggest a general theory of choice or development which would incorporate norms, changes in structural patterns, & determinants of motivation & personality in relation to culture. Such an integrated approach requires examining modernizing societies within the dynamic, often punitive, highly complex internat'l system. Org'ed res is called for. M. Maxfield.