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BAHIRDAR UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARMENT
OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE PROGRAM
Course Title: Social Development and Models of Social Change
Course Code: SwSd 7125
Individual Assignment: A Book Review on the development perspectives in
social welfare
BOOK TITLE
Social Development: The Developmental Perspective in Social Welfare
Author: James Midgley (1995)
Reviewed By: Bewketu Chekol
Submitted To: Keebih Asress (PhD)
Associate Professor of Social Work & Social Development
Mar, 2025
BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY ETHIOPIA
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Introduction
James Midgley in his book “The developmental perspective in Social welfare” presents
social development as an approach integrating social welfare with economic growth, focusing on
both social and economic goals. Unlike traditional welfare models it aims for more
comprehensive solutions, particularly in developing countries while addressing global
challenges.
The concept of distorted development is discussed, where economic growth fails to
reduce social issues like poverty and inequality. This highlights the need for social development
to address both economic and social problems, especially for marginalized communities. Social
development, however rooted in colonial efforts and adapted by the UN, is still underdeveloped
conceptually, particularly in industrialized nations. The text calls for more systematic approaches
to create actionable social development program.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of social development, aiming to bridge
the gap in existing literature for professionals in fields like social policy, social work and
developmental studies. It explores the definition and evolution of social development, its
integration with economic growth, and various ideological debates surrounding the approach.
The author emphasizes the importance of balancing economic and social policies to improve
well-being while addressing critique and highlighting the flexibility of social development as a
pragmatic strategy for tackling contemporary social issue.
Section 1: A definition of Social Development
The chapter on a definition of social development provides a comprehensive overview of
the concept and its relationship with social welfare. Social development is formally defined as an
approach that integrates social policies with economic development to enhance the well-being of
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entire populations. Unlike other models, such as a social philanthropy, social work, or social
administration, social development seeks systemic, long term societal improvement by
addressing social problems at a broader level. It is characterized by a focus on both social and
economic progress, emphasizing that those two elements must work together to create
meaningful change.
The key characteristics of social development include its dynamic and progressive nature,
where continuous improvement and proactive interventions are prioritized. It adopts an
interdisciplinary approach, drawing from political economy and other social sciences to address
societal challenges. Social development is inclusive and universalistic, aiming to improve the
welfare of the entire population, particularly marginalized groups. The ultimate goal of social
development is the promotion of social welfare, which involves managing social problems,
meeting basic needs, and creating opportunity for advancement.
The chapter also highlights the connection between social work and social development.
While social work traditionally focuses on remedial interventions to address individual needs,
such as poverty and health issues, social development takes a broader, more systematic approach.
It works to integrate social policies with economic development, fostering social well-being on a
large scale. Although social work plays a vital role in addressing immediate concerns, social
development seeks to bring about long-term structural changes.
The chapter examines approaches to social welfare: social philanthropy provides direct
aid through private donations, social work focuses on professional support for individuals and
families, and social administration involves government-led programs ensuring basic welfare
like healthcare and housing. Each operates with distinct objectives and levels of impact.
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The chapter highlights the distinctiveness of social development, which focuses on board,
community-based solutions and links social welfare with economic development for
sustainability. Unlike social work or administration, it adopts a macro-level, universal approach,
emphasizing the welfare of entire communities or nations and supporting planned interventions
to enhance social conditions.
The chapter examines the evolution of social development across disciplines. In
development studies, it originated during colonial times with a focus on welfare services and
community program. Post-colonial initiatives, especially those driven by the United Nations,
expanded it to include economic planning, poverty alleviation, and social participation.
Furthermore the political economy approach has significantly shaped social development by
integrating social policies with economic objectives and highlighting the state’s role in
addressing societal challenges.
In conclusion, the chapter presents social development as a more holistic, inclusive, and
proactive approach to improving societal welfare compared to traditional welfare models. By
integrating social and economic development, focusing structural changes, and adopting an
interdisciplinary, macro-level perspective, social development offers a pathway to achieving
long-term, sustainable progress for societies worldwide.
Section 2: Historical Context of Social Development
This chapter explores the evolution of the concept of social development, focusing on its
historical roots and how different ideas, people, end events have shaped its definition over time.
Social development, understood as a deliberate process of societal change aimed at enhancing
social welfare, emerged after World War II. Initially introduced by colonial welfare
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administrators, the concept gained traction through the efforts of United Nations(UN) and
industrial nations, especially through American Social Work.
The chapter traces theories of social change, noting how early civilizations like the
Chinese and Indian cultures viewed change as cyclical, while Judeo-Christian traditions saw it
as a decline from a “Golden Age.” The Enlightenment popularized the idea of progress,
influencing thinkers like Heraclitus, Hegel, and Marx, who emphasized conflict, ideas and
economic forces as drivers of social change. These early ideas contributed to the modern linear,
progressive model of social development seen in Western philosophies.
The chapter traces the evolution of social intervention, from ancient thinkers attributing
change to higher powers to modern philosophers like Ibn Khaldun, Hegel, and Marx, who
connected it to social forces like war and social struggle. It also covers Utopian thinkers like
Plato, Sir Thomas More, and social reformers like Robert Owen, whose ideal society proposals,
despite their failures, shaped social planning and the belief in government-led social
improvement.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, figures like Auguste Comte, Laser Ward, and the
Fabian socialists championed the idea of social intervention, advocating for scientific planning to
improve society. This idea of intervention, extended to economics, with early economists
supporting varying degrees of government involvement, culminating in the widespread
acceptance of social planning after WW II, particularly in Europe.
The chapter also discusses the colonial context of social development in the Third World,
where social welfare efforts initially focused on addressing basic social issues like education and
health. Post WWII, many newly independent nations adopts social planning to promote both
economic and social development. The UN played a crucial role in shaping social development,
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moving from a focus on remedial welfare ti integrated social and economic planning,
culminating in the creation of human development index in 1990.
International agencies such as the WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, also contributed
to shaping social strategies, advocating for integrated approaches to economic and social
development. The “basic needs” approach of the 1970s prioritized health, education, and
essential services, emphasizing that economic growth alone couldn’t address poverty.
By the 1980s, sustainable development and regional approaches gained prominence,
particularly in countries like the Philippines, which become a model for development social
welfare. Despite political challenges, including the rise of right- wing movements advocating for
reduced government intervention in social welfare, social development principles continued to
evolve, leading to the 1995 World Summit on social development, signaling renewed
commitment to social welfare on a global scale.
In conclusion, this chapter highlights the historical journey of social development, from
its colonial roots to modern day theories and practices, illustrating the complex relationships
between social welfare, economic growth, and government intervention in improving human
well-being. The UN and other international organization remain key players in promoting
integrated, sustainable development strategies globally.
Section 3: Theoretical Debate
This section delves in to the theoretical debates in social development, highlighting how
diverse ideologies have influenced its evolution. As a multidisciplinary field, social development
lacks a unified “grand theory” instead blending perspectives from economics, sociology, politics
and history. Despite this, it is framed by representational, explanatory, and normative theories.
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The chapter explains that representational theories simplify complex realities in to
models to understand social development, explanatory or analytical theories provide casual
reasoning behind social changes to guide solutions, and normative theories evaluate social
phenomena against moral standards or goals. Together, these interconnected theories inform the
creation and application of social policies.
The chapter highlights the lack of comprehensive paradigm in social development, unlike
fields like Marxism and structural functionalism. Instead, it depends on smaller theories and
debates over values and ideologies, leading to a fragmented approach. Discussion revolve around
development processes, preconditions, and goals, such as gradual versus revolutionary progress
or prioritizing economic growth versus justice.
Further complicating the landscape are the ongoing disagreements over the values and
ideologies. For instance, proponents of individualism advocate for a market-driven, capitalist
approach to social development, emphasizing individual freedom and economic growth. On the
other hand, collectivist ideologies, such as socialism, argue for more government intervention to
ensure collective welfare and address social inequalities. There are also ideologies that center on
the preservation of culture and resistance to Westernization, advocating for social development
that respects indigenous traditions and avoids the harmful effect of rapid industrialization.
The section discusses the debate on the necessity of social development, often viewed as
opposing the preservation of traditional societies. Critics warn it could harm cultural integrity
and the environment, raising concerns about its potential drawbacks. Proponents however,
emphasize its importance in tackling poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, citing historical
successes as evidence of its benefit.
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The economic aspects of social development is a point of contention, which critics
arguing that linking social development too closely to economic growth may overlook social and
environmental costs. Debates, such as those raised by Richard Titmuss, stress the need to balance
economic policies with social welfare. The chapter highlights the complexities of integrating
economic growth with social development, emphasizing that achieving this balance is both
necessary and challenging.
The chapter also addresses the notions of Utopianism in social development, from radical
Marxist revolutions to more moderate calls for gradual societal improvements. While these
ideals have shaped social development goals, they are criticized as unrealistic or unattainable
without coercion. The text concludes that creating a perfect society through social development
remains a contentious and elusive goal.
Overall the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical debates in
social development, illustrating how various ideologies and perspectives continue to shape the
field. It emphasizes the ongoing tension between progress and preservation, intervention and
freedom, and economic growth and social justice. The debates are complex and multifaceted,
highlighting the dynamic nature of social development theory and its continual evolution in
response to shifting political, social, and economic realities.
Section 4: Strategies for Promoting Social Development
This chapter examines different strategies for promoting social development, focusing on
individual, community, and government efforts, all shaped by underlying ideological beliefs that
influence the design and implementation of these strategies. It underscores the
interconnectedness of theory and practice, showing how various ideologies impact the
effectiveness of social development efforts.
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Individual-Based Strategies
Individual based strategies emphasize self-reliance and entrepreneurship to promote
social development. This strategy is effective if there are jobs, opportunity for self-employment,
and sound prospective for investment. These approaches argue that creating enterprise culture
can drive economic growth and self-employment. Supporters believe that governments should
facilitate market participation through institutional development, such as legal frameworks and
financial systems, to help individuals thrive economically.
Small-Scale Enterprise and Social Development
Small-scale enterprises are highlighted as a crucial means of fostering self-sufficiency,
particularly in developing countries. Unlike large-scale industrial approaches, these businesses
provide accessible opportunities for the poor, contributing to economic growth. Advocates stress
the importance of reducing restrictions and offering training and financial support foe
entrepreneurs in the informal sectors.
Communitarian Approaches
Communitarian strategies for social development emphasize the importance of
community collaborations in addressing local problems and meeting basic needs. Unlike
collectivism, which involves common ownership of resources, the communitarian approach
focuses on collective efforts within communities to empower local populations and encourage
self-management. By relying on local resources and encouraging active participation, this
approach seeks to build social capital and create opportunities for development. Women’s groups
have become increasingly involved in this strategy, advocating for gender-focused approaches
that insure women’s full participation and addresses gender inequalities in development efforts.
Criticism and Shift towards Community Action
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Community development faced criticism for inefficiency and political control by
government. In response, the community action approach emerged, emphasizing local
empowerment and collective action. Influenced by Marxist and Freirean ideas, it encourages
communities to challenge authority and focus on marginalized groups. Women’s empowerment
also becomes a central concern, with new approaches focusing on gender equality.
Government-Led Interventions
Government are seen as responsible for ensuring social development through strategies
like unified socio-economic planning, resource redistribution, the basic needs approach, and
sustainable development. These approaches aim to reduce poverty, inequality, and environmental
degradation, while fostering long-term development. Despite challenges, government continues
to play a key role in shaping development policies.
To summarize the chapter explores a range of strategies aimed at improving social
development, from individualist approaches focused on self-reliance and entrepreneurship to
communitarian approaches based on local participation, to government-led initiatives that seek to
directly address social needs. It highlights the complex and evolving nature of social
development strategies underscoring the need for a balanced approach that combines economic
growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. Despite challenges such as political
resistance, economic constraints, and the evolving nature of global challenges, these frameworks
offer viable pathways for promoting a more inclusive and sustainable approaches to
development.
Section 5: achieving Social Development: The Institutional Perspective
The institutional perspective on social development emphasizes the integration of various
strategies and social institutions (state, market, and community) to promote human welfare. It
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advocates for harmonizing these approaches rather than letting them complete, with government
playing a central role through “managed pluralism.” This perspective blends elements of
capitalism and socialism, drawing from thinkers like Thorsten Veblen, Richard Titmuss, and
Gunnar Myrdal, and emphasizes the importance of state intervention, social solidarity, and
practical solutions to development challenges. By aligning economic, social, and community
efforts, these approach aims to create sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.
Corporatism, a key concept within social development, focuses on the collaboration
between governmental, labor, and industry to reduce conflict and promote social welfare. While
corporatism has been effective in countries like Austria, Japan, and Scandinavian nations, faces
challenges in the modern era due to globalization and deindustrialization. The implementation of
social development requires various organizational structures, including state-led,
communitarian, and individualist approaches, with an emphasis on decentralization and
participation at all level. The role of government is crucial in harmonizing these efforts,
facilitating social development through integration of social and economic policies, without
dominating the process.
The book in this section also addresses the debate on the type of personnel required for
social development, with some experts advocating for specialized professionals and others
emphasizing community workers. Social work, in particular, is seen as well-suited for these role,
through improvement in education are necessary. Social development should be located within
defined social-spatial contexts, and integrating social and economic policies is crucial to
achieving sustainable and equitable development. Strategies such as “positive discrimination”
and community renewal efforts help to prioritize disadvantaged areas.
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Case studies from Sri Phone Thong in Thailand and the Mississippi Delta in the USA
illustrate the successful integration of local, regional, and national-level strategies for social
development. These examples emphasize the importance of community participation,
government support, and local economic empowerment. On a national level, countries like
Sweden, Denmark, Japan, and Costa Rica have demonstrated the successful integration of social
and economic policies, achieving high level living standards, economic growth, and social
welfare.
The chapter concludes by emphasizing that managed pluralism is essential for social
developments playing a central coordinating role, supported by market and community
initiatives. Despite challenges, there is hope for global progress through international
communities to social development, as seen in initiatives like the UN World Summit on Social
Development. The ultimate goal is to make social development a global priority, integrating
social policies with economic growth for more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
Conclusion
James Midgley’s “The Development Perspective in Social Welfare” offers a
comprehensive approach to social development that integrates social policies with economic
growth. This approach emphasizes the need for systemic, long-term societal improvement,
particularly in addressing both social and economic issues to create meaningful, sustainable
change. For social works, Midley’s framework challenges the traditional focus on individual
interventions, encouraging professionals to engage in large-scale structural changes that address
poverty, inequality, and marginalization.
Ethiopia’s development efforts including the Growth and Transformation plan, show
progress, but as Midgley’ highlights with “distorted development,” economic growth alone
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doesn’t ensure social progress. The country faces challenges in ensuring the development
benefits for marginalized groups, particularly in rural areas, low income social groups, and low
wage civil servants, emphasizing the need to integrate social welfare with economic policies for
equitable growth.
Incorporating Midgley’s perspective could help Ethiopia align its development efforts
with inclusive and sustainable growth. The book’s emphasis on community participation and
coordinated approaches involving government, market and a community resonates with
Ethiopia’s ongoing problems. By prioritizing both social and economic well-being, Ethiopia can
ensure that its development efforts lead to meaningful improvements in the lives of all citizens
particularly those most in need.
Reference
Midgley,J. (1995). Social Development: The Development perspective in social welfare. SAGE
publications.
