Whose Vision, Whose Rules? A Culture and Development Typology

This article explores the issue of cultural difference between outside developers and target groups. In its focus on culture, the article draws attention to the limitations of many current attempts to include "insider" perspectives in development initiatives. Merely including members of target groups or implementing certain kinds of ethnic- or gender-friendly projects is not enough to ensure that development initiatives reflect target group perspectives. The cultural values and institutions of developers often subtly shape the goals and processes of development initiatives, even while outwardly encouraging participation. A basic culture-and-development typology helps developers reflect constructively on their own practice and on the possibility of working with target groups to support development from within.