Socioeconomic Development and Underdevelopment Concepts

Components of Socioeconomic Development

• Progress: Movement and change of civilization, in social, political, and economic aspects, towards a more desirable and favorable state.
• Modernity: Massive social change that affects political, economic, administrative, family, and religious structures. It involves significant aspects of societal transformation.
• Social Well-being: A situation where people have enough to live in peace because most of their basic needs are met. Considered basic variables include education, employment, health, food, and security.
• Social Cohesion: Stability and social organization. Members of a cohesive group typically share proximity, similar behaviors, and skills. Members of a cohesive group participate in meetings, take responsibility, and strive to achieve challenging goals.

Characteristics of Socioeconomic Development

• Basic Needs: Necessities such as shelter and food.
• Individual Rights: Development of rights in harmony, including freedom, religion, health, work, etc.
• Social Institutions: National public authorities, armed forces, public and private partnerships.
• National Stability: Peace, justice, sovereignty, etc.

Understanding Underdevelopment

A set of inequalities of wealth and poverty, causing stagnation, setbacks, and economic, political, technological, and cultural dependence.

Causes of Underdevelopment

• Climate
• Colonialism
• Corruption and Tyranny
• Influence of Rich Nations
• Internal Factors (e.g., governance, societal structures)

Centralism and Decentralization

Centralism Defined

A state where the exercise of legislative functions, the maintenance of public order, and the administration of justice are attributed to the organs of central power.

Decentralization Defined

The dispersion of authority or functions previously exercised by the central government of the state, allowing for a greater scope of action at other levels.

Decentralization of Services

Occurs when the state creates bodies vested with functions and jurisdiction to provide a public service. Example: Electricity Company.

Territorial Decentralization

The state creates legal bodies in a specific territory, delegating state functions to these autonomous bodies for local purposes.