Culture, structure and development: An alternative perspective∗

This is a slightly revised version of a paper presented at the conference of the Development Society of Southern Africa, Durban, 6‐8 July 1988.

This article sets out to explore the role of culture in development, and in particular the ways in which the relationship between culture and structure may influence possibilities of development By means of an analysis of theoretical problems inherent in the culture of poverty thesis, it attempts to identify some of the preconditions for a successful theory of culture and development. In particular attention is focused on the power relationships and inequalities between cultures within the context of the contemporary national state. A theoretical framework which utilises Ernest Gellner's theory of culture and nationalism in industrial societies is proposed, and some of the implications for development research and practice are considered.

Notes

Senior researcher, Institute for Sociological and Demographic Research, Human Sciences Research Council.

This is a slightly revised version of a paper presented at the conference of the Development Society of Southern Africa, Durban, 6‐8 July 1988.