Contrary to the predictions of modernization theorists, social relationships grounded in assumed ties of blood, race, language, and religion remain a powerful force in both developing and industrial nations. Contemporary theories of political and economic development are inadequate for understanding the role of these “primordial ties” because, in rejecting modernization theory for its shortcomings, they have abandoned systematic consideration of cultural and symbolic phenomena. A reevaluation of the work of Edward Shils and Clifford Geertz, and an examination of recent developments in anthropology and history suggest new ways in which the dynamic role of cultural and symbolic processes in development can be understood.
