Culture-Relevant and Culture-Modifying Action Research for Development
Author(s)
Pareek, Udai
Abstract
Development is the process of unfolding the unique potential and strengths of individuals and groups in a society. This process is fostered by the presence of certain values that constitute a special culture–a combination of assertiveness (autonomy, achievement, and creativity) and extension (concern for others and collective action). Each societal culture has characteristics that have both functional and dysfunctional aspects for development. The task of action research is to sift functional from dysfunctional aspects, to build on and strengthen the former, and to reduce and manage the latter. This article describes projects that led the author to this formulation and to his current emphasis on the role of political culture in development. Implications for the role of psychologists and other social scientists in contributing to the functionality of political culture are presented.
