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Changing the Culture of Underdevelopment and Unsustainability

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  • Timothy Downs

Abstract

Complex relationships exist between human nature and needs, cultural evolution and ecological dynamics. The purpose of this paper is to present a working hypothesis that explores how we may reverse worsening underdevelopment, poverty and unsustainability trends world-wide. Empirical evidence from cultural history and contemporary project experience are used to suggest a development process that combines three critical dimensions: ethics, productive social interaction and knowledge integration. Logic dictates that the process should be applied in any given country to mobilize investment in supplies of natural, human and economic capital, principally biodiversity, soil and water conservation, education and public health. A sociopolitical theory of underdevelopment is presented to suggest that unethical virtual cartels control social interaction, knowledge integration and resource mobilization, precipitating negative feedback effects on human development, ecological stability and, ultimately, cultural evolution. The hypothesis was formulated using observations over 5 years in Mexico and case-study experience to initiate an alternative process of water resource conservation.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy Downs, 2000. "Changing the Culture of Underdevelopment and Unsustainability," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(5), pages 601-621.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:43:y:2000:i:5:p:601-621
    DOI: 10.1080/713676578
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    Cited by:

    1. Timothy Downs, 2001. "Sustainable Health Risk Management and the Role of Cross-Disciplinary Professionals in Developing Countries: Mexican Experience," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 3(1), pages 61-81, March.
    2. Timothy J. Downs, 2007. "A systematic integrated approach for crafting poverty reduction and sustainable development projects," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 31(1), pages 35-50, February.
    3. Downs, Timothy John & Larson, Heidi Jane, 2007. "Achieving Millennium Development Goals for health: Building understanding, trust and capacity to respond," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(2-3), pages 144-161, October.

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