Culture and Development: The Missing Policy Link

The fact of the theory of Cumulative Causation compounded by its circular effect,aided and abetted by (despite promises to the contrary) of lack of equality of opportunity--- large scale migration of the able-bodied to the comparitively developed areas of the Country,in search of livelihood , with its own social,political,economic and other ancillary problems has to be actively addressed, please.

A good article. Since i started my career with AKRSP, I do agree that it a very effective effort. however, what i do not see is how cultural traits have been synergized with economic apprach in case of AKRSP.
However the central theme of the article is quite apt and cultural tendencies do play a marked role in economics and may eventually affect the outcome of a policy intervention. Therefore for successful results polcies may have to be in line with the cultural predispostion. However, what to do where we want to change cultura; aspects (i.e gender bias). In those cases we have to be more thorough

Answer to this would be even more interesting if we say in NWFP,PATA and FATA, please !??!.Re: # 2

Nadeem
You wrote "...cultural factors the focal point of all strategies for development."
Gender equality is a development objective but Pakhtun culture has its customs and traditions. Please elaborate on how you see your suggestion incorporated in NWFP-FATA.
Respect. Peace.

pls check out greet-hofstede index for pakistan.
"the combination of these two high scores (UAI)uncertainity avoidace index, and (PDI) power distance index,create societies that are highly rule-oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society. These cultures are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens.

"When these two Dimensions are combined, it creates a situation where leaders have virtually ultimate power and authority, and the rules, laws and regulations developed by those in power, reinforce their own leadership and control. It is not unusual for new leadership to arise from armed insurrection – the ultimate power, rather than from diplomatic or democratic change."