A Conceptual Analysis of the Theories of Development Under a Democratic Framework

Dr. Pradeep Kumar K.

Abstract: Planning, participation, and development are the catchwords of politicians, policymakers, administrators, and academicians in the modern period. Development is a multi - dimensional goal - oriented process, and its criteria and goals are determined by the socio - economic, cultural, political, and administrative determinants of the state. The term development theories seek to apply identified tools and approaches to the economic, social, and institutional aspects of developing countries to achieve improvement in the standard of living. It deals with methods and procedures for improving the socio - economic and institutional conditions of developing countries. Different theories of development exist and define development based on different focal concept.

Keywords: Development Theories, Democratic Decentralization, Participatory Planning and Development, Rural Development, Gandhian Concept of Development, Human Capital Model of Development, Sustainable Development, System Theories of Development, Dependency Theories, Political Development, Modernization Theories