DEPARTMENT THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS

FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION
BAYERO UNIVERSITY KANO

COURSE CODE:
COURSE TITLE:

ASSIGNMENT

BY

GROUP 1

GROUP MEMBERS
S/N NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER
1 ARIKE MARGREATH OKWA CMM/19/TFS/00531
2 MAMUDA SULEIMAN FATIMA CMM/19/TFS/00497
3 AMOS BLESSING CMM/19/TFS/00460

COURSE LECTURER:
OGAKASON RASHEED OSHOKE

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
DRAWING FROM HARRY TRUMAN’S INAUGURAL SPEECH, EXTRAPOLATE ON
THE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE CONCEPT OF DEVELOPMENT AND
ITS IMPLICATION ON DEVELOPING NATIONS CITING CRITICAL EXAMPLES.
Introduction

According to Rogers (1976): Development is a widely participatory process of social change in a

society, intended to bring about social and material advancement (including greater equality,
freedom, and other valued qualities) for the majority of the people through their gaining control
over their environment. Rogers stressed the endogenous dimension of development. It must be
through people's participation, exploiting their own environment to improve their situation rather
than expecting development to "fall from heaven" as it were.

Harry Truman Speech

"We must embark on a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and
industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas. More
than half the people of the world are living in conditions approaching misery. Their food is
inadequate. They are victims of disease. Their economic life is primitive and stagnant. Their
food poverty is a handicap to both them and more prosperous areas."

President Harry Truman's inaugural speech in 1949 highlighted the United States' commitment to
promoting international development and supporting the growth of developing nations. This
marked a turning point in global affairs, as it underscored the significance of assisting less
developed countries in their quest for economic progress and social advancement. In this speech,
Truman articulated what would later be known as the "Point Four Program," where he outlined
the need for the United States to assist "underdeveloped areas" of the world. This concept of
development has since played a significant role in shaping the policies and trajectories of
developing nations, particularly in the Global South. This presentation will extrapolate from
Truman’s speech to explore the historical perspective of the concept of development and its
implications on developing nations, using critical examples from Africa.

From a historical perspective, the concept of development has evolved significantly over time.
Initially, it was primarily centered around economic growth, industrialization, and
modernization. This perspective was heavily influenced by the post-World War II reconstruction
effort, such as the Marshall Plan, which aimed to rebuild war-torn Europe through economic aid
and infrastructure development. However, it soon became clear that development encompassed a
broader range of factors, including social well-being, political stability, and environmental
sustainability.

Harry Truman's inaugural speech, his concept of development. was based on his vision of the
U.S. being the world leader in the post-war era. His point four program called for the U.S. to use
its scientific and technical expertise to help developing countries improve their economic and
social conditions. Truman believed that by promoting economic dev. in these underdeveloped
developing countries, it will reduce/prevent the spread of Soviet influence (The Russians).

Implications of the concept of Development on Developing Nations

1. Economic Aid and Infrastructure:

Turman’s vision led to the establishment of various international aid programs and institutions,
such as World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These organization have played
crucial roles in providing financial assistance and technical expertise to developing nations. For
example, the Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, supported by international aid,
significantly increased agricultural productivity in countries like India and Mexico

2. Modernization Theory:
According to Rostow, a nation can attain development only when it discards traditional ways of
life for modern ways of life. One crucial example of the implications of development on
developing nations is the concept of modernization theory. This theory posits that traditional
societies can be transformed into modern, industrialized nations through external intervention
and investment. It postulates that developing countries should emulate the paths taken by
developed nations to achieve economic growth and social progress. Proponents of this theory
argue that modernization and development are interconnected, and that the former leads to the
latter.

However, this approach has been criticized for its ethnocentrism and tendency to overlook the
unique historical, cultural, and social contexts of developing countries. One significant flaw in
this theory is the assumption that all societies will naturally follow the same trajectory of
development, regardless of individual contexts or histories. The experiences of Asia and Africa,
for example, demonstrate that modernization is not a universal process that can be easily
replicated.

1. Dependency Theory

The dependency theory according to Chiakaan (2014) is a blaming theory. It offers consolation
to the developing nations as they are made to feel that without the asymmetric relationship they
had and still have with the developed nations, their conditions would have been far better than
they are currently. Critics argue that Truman’s speech and the subsequent development agenda
reinforced dependency theory, where developing nations become reliant on developed nations
for economic growth and development. This implies that developing nations became totally
reliant on foreign aid, rather than developing their own capacities. Even when creative mind
initiate innovation from developing nations they are not appreciated nor given the appropriates
exposure. E.g., when a car is produced in a country like Nigeria it is not given much value or
worth as those manufactured in developed nation even the citizen are more likely to patronize
foreign countries than their own.

2. Sustainable Development:

In more recent times, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations
have provided a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges and promoting
inclusive and sustainable development. These goals cover a wide range of issues, including
poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, gender equality, and environmental conservation. The
SDGs recognize the need for holistic and sustainable development that accounts for social,
economic, and environmental factors. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of reducing
inequalities, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting equal access to resources
and opportunities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of development has undergone significant changes over time, from a
narrow focus on economic growth and modernization to a more complex view that takes into
account social, political, and environmental factors. Critical examples such as modernization
theory and dependency theory demonstrate the implications of development on developing
nations, highlighting the importance of addressing structural inequalities and promoting self-
reliance. Today, the Sustainable Development Goals provide a comprehensive framework for
promoting inclusive and sustainable development on a global scale.
References

Jegede, E., From Modernization to Alternative Paradigm: Development in History and

Ideological Implications of Unequal Relations for the Periphery. LWATI: A Journal of
Contemporary Research, 14(4), 274-300, 2017 ISSN: 1813-222
Gbaden, C.J., & Tsafa,T. (2021). DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION IN NIGERIA: A
PRAGMATIC APPROACH. SN - 978-978-981-237-3
Nichols,C.M.,(2014). Consequences of the Truman Doctrine.
https://blog.oup.com/2014/05/truman-doctrine-consequences/
Kutor, S.K ., (2014) Development and Underdevelopment of African Continent: The Blame
Game and the Way Forward