Social/Human Factors Impacting Pathways to Development (DP IB Global Politics: SL): Revision Note

The impact of social and human factors

• Social and human factors such as values, cultural traditions, gender relations and migration can either support or hinder development, depending on the context

  • These factors interact with economic, political and environmental conditions, meaning their impact on development is rarely straightforward

• It is important to avoid generalising about the effect of any social or human factor

  • The same tradition or practice can have very different outcomes in different states

Values and cultural traditions

• The impact of values and cultural traditions on pathways to development are difficult to assess

• It is important to avoid oversimplifying or stereotyping cultures

  • Not all values and traditions have negative effects

  • However, in some cases, values and traditions can limit development

• Some cultural practices and traditions can harm the environment, such as:

  • a high levels of meat consumption

  • consumer-driven lifestyles

  • religious burning or offering practices

• These can increase pollution and resource use, limiting sustainable environmental development

Gender relations

• Gender has traditionally been viewed as binary (male or female)

  • However, this view has increasingly been challenged in recent years

• Cultural attitudes towards gender often led to discrimination against women, which has a major impact on development

• Gender discrimination affects all pathways to development:

  • Economic development

    • Growth is limited if women are denied equal access to jobs, education and resources

    • This means a large proportion of the population cannot fully contribute to the economy

  • Social development

    • Women carry out a large share of unpaid labour, such as childcare and domestic work

    • These contributions are often undervalued or not recognised

  • Political development

    • Women are less likely to hold leadership positions

    • This can lead to governments that do not fully represent the needs of the population

• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) argues that greater gender equality makes societies more resilient

  • This resilience is important for achieving long-term sustainable development

Migration

• Migration is the movement of people from one place to another

• Some people believe migrants harm economic and social development, but evidence often does not support this view

• Migration can have positive impacts on development

  • Economic development

    • Migrant workers often fill jobs that the local population is unable or unwilling to do

    • They pay taxes and contribute to economic growth

    • Migrants may bring skills and knowledge, supporting long-term economic development

  • Social development

    • Migrants help maintain key services such as healthcare, education and construction

    • This can improve living standards and support wider society