The Role of Culture in Development: Focus On Media and Publications

This article will study the definition of development by reviewing classic literature, and outline its progression over time. In addition, the article briefly assesses Islam’s perspective on development with the aim of comparing an Islamic viewpoint with popular belief. The article concludes that development has a very broad definition and is characterised through various social, economic, cultural and political aspects and is solely dependent on an individual’s point of view in a given society. This implies that contrary to popular belief, development is not purely an economic definition, but can also be viewed as cultural and educational knowledge acquired over time which leads to social development and progress; a consequence of this is advancements in economic and social welfare. Therefore in order to achieve development, it is necessary for individuals–in particular those who influence society to alter their views on humanity and its role in the material world. In other words, development is a product of behavioural and educational change and is therefore a metaphysical transformation in the mind-set of humans and is not limited to economics. Hence at this stage, rather than Economics, it is other sciences which look into the education, personality and belief of humans that are the main contributors towards development. These include fields such as theology, philosophy, literature, social studies, people studies and psychology. If we accept this definition, it is necessary to convert anti-development to pro-development standpoints in order to achieve it; in other words, non-developed individuals should become developed. It is certain that in all stages of development, publications have a significant impact on the viewpoints and beliefs of individuals in society. In other words, it is vital to place particular focus on media and publications which are critical tools for education in development.