Questioning the Traditional‐modern Dichotomy

Dichotomizing traditional versus modern societtes has become ax tomatic in some introductory tests on third would development Based on field observations and interviews in tow That villages, this assumption should be questioned The leadership in both villages had carried out several successful, locally designed and implemented development projects Data Collected on these villages is summarized by the following significant and common factors wihich contributed to the successful development described 1 Fstablished, respected, traditional leaders undertook development initratives, 2 Traditional value systems provided the rationale for development, 3 Self sustaining, con structive change happened gradully, 4 Over time people adopted practical suggestions and carried them out themselves to improve their daily lives 5 Directed by the village leadership, change was achieved with minimal outside help These factors show traditional values and practices can lead to constructive shange Fortunately, some theoretical work has broadened the definition of development to include a human centered approach which can include any improvement in the lives of local villagers An example is provided by Higgins and Higgins’concept of a unified approach