fejlesztéselmélete

fejlesztéselmélete is the Hungarian term for development theory, a multidisciplinary field that examines the processes, mechanisms, and outcomes of development across social, economic, political, and cultural domains. The concept emerged in the mid‑twentieth century as scholars sought to explain why societies evolve differently and how development can be promoted or hindered. Early theoretical foundations were influenced by modernization theory, which posited a linear sequence of stages from traditional to modern societies, and dependency theory, which emphasized the structural constraints imposed by global power imbalances.

By the 1980s and 1990s, institutionalism and institutional economics gained prominence, arguing that formal and informal rules, norms, and governance structures significantly shape development trajectories. More recent strands such as capabilities approach, drawn from Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, shift the focus from aggregate growth to the expansion of human freedoms and opportunities. Sustainability and resilience have become central concerns, integrating ecological limits with social progress and prompting new frameworks that consider long‑term viability.

Key scholars include Robert K. Merton, Murray Bookchin, Jean Piketty, and Esther Duflo, whose empirical studies on development projects have informed policy design. Critiques of fejlesztéselmélete highlight its tendency to universalize Western models, overlook local knowledge, and underemphasize power dynamics. In practice, the field informs international aid programs, national policy planning, and academic research, continually adapting to emerging global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and shifting geopolitical landscapes.