What is culture?
set of values and practices that gives the meaning, attitudes and skills upon which the development process can build
social heritage transmitted from one generation to another
represented through art, literature, customs, etc
Cultural factors affect development communication language, risk perception, trust in source, norms, gender participation
Cultural context is important and cannot be ignored
Important
change that comes from within a cultural context faces less resistance
- Acknowledging and understanding cultural diversity is essential for designing effective and culturally appropriate development programs
- Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, and marginalized communities often have distinct cultural identities and worldviews
- Cultural heritage, including tangible and intangible cultural assets such as traditional knowledge, languages, arts, and crafts, plays a vital role in promoting identity, social cohesion, and sustainable development
- Cultural practices and beliefs influence various aspects of development, including health, education, gender relations, environmental management, and governance
- Cultural capital, defined as the resources embedded in culture that individuals and communities can draw upon for social and economic advancement, is increasingly recognized as a driver of development.
- Cultural Sustainability
Cultural Obstacles to Development - Indian Context
- Caste System
- Cultural labeling of work as ‘high’ or ‘low’
- Gender Discrimination
- Political System
- Role of individuals in creating a collective consciousness for change