Every state in the world is categorized as per factors and levels of development attained. Deveolpment is not an end factor in itself and there is always room to continuosly improve on the developmental status of a country. This is as a result of constant emerging technology to satisfy ever increasing needs of humans(who make up the state). In essence development is an act in progress at any point in time. Levels of development has culminated in tags such as developed countris, developing countirs and under develoed countries.
For a state to develop to modern status means that state has attained soverenty that is recognized and accepted as one on its own with the responsibity of protecting and acting in the interest of its citizens and cooperate on such a level with other sister states in areas of mutual interest. Such a state has the absolute right to set up institutions and parameters to maintain law and order and push the developmental agenda of the state. Put in a more scholarly manner, http://wiki.answers.com describes modern state as one that has organized territory with definite geographical boundaries that are recognized by other states. It has a body of law and institutions of government.
The modern nation state is dependent on the loyalty of citizens. The state offers protection, order, justice, foreign trade, and facilitations of inner state trade in exchange for this loyalty.
The ultimate goal of any modern sate is the quest to push a development agenda forward. Such developmental agendas are a whole and comprehensive policy that aims to move the state from one stage to another towards creating a more sound and fulfilling state for the entire citenzenry.
With the modern state and the need and call to develop now established, the scope of this write-up is thence put into perspective herin that, it will take a compehensive look at the role culture plays in the developmental agenda of a mordern sate preceding the whole discussion with a brief perspective on culture in general terms and hedging it on its importance snd influence on development.
Culture is an embodiment of a people which runs through the very thread that holds them together. It can also be said that it is the way of life of a particuler group of people who identify with each other. It manifests in several aspects such as the arts, food,dance,costume, language among others. Cuture is so unique and dynamic to a partuicular group of people.it easily creates a sence of identity and belonginess and is as a result of long standing traditions of practice and socialization.
The Mirriam Webster collegiate dictionary defines culture as customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also : the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life} shared by people in a place or time . This leads to my question that pours open the main hinging point of discussion- ‘how then does culture play a role in the development agenda of a modern sate’?
Local culture provides a sense of identity for rural communities and residents. This identity facilitates common understandings, traditions, and values, all central to the identification of plans of action to improve well-being. Culture contributes to building a sense of local identity and solidarity. It influences the confidence rural communities have for coming together to address specific needs and problems. This local commitment among residents, regardless of economic or political conditions, can serve as a valuable tool in shaping the effectiveness of development options and local actions. Such commitment, based on culture and common identity, can be seen as a potentially important tool in sustaining local government, development, and social improvement efforts.
A very well managed local culture could be very well managed for development in the tourism sector of any modern state. The tourism sector deals excusively with the preservation of culture, its artifacts, infrastructure, food language etc. Therfore, if these are harnessed well, manageed and incorporated in the development agenda of a state, it will really reap masssive development to aid the overall forward push of the country. This concept has been very much adopted by the kenyans and South Africans to boost their economies and it has a massive impact on their development
Also a keen study of todays changing world and its perculiar developmental needs have given rise to assertions that cultural identities should be a basis for segmentation and teritorial development. This should be in opposition to the conventional government led wholesale development stategy. With the latter, development strategies put in place might not necessarily suit all sectors. On the other hand if the communities are allowed to spearhead their development as per their cultural perspectives, it will greatly accelrate development and contribute to the complex developmental needs of these times.
Culture should also have a role in creating a national identity as a whole in the development of a nation. Archetectural designs shouls encompaass local artifacts and crats to create a sense of belongingness. National banquets should serve local foods. Local languages should be thought and promoted. Local clothes should be patronized and all these will push the nation forward. The chinese do that and they are on top. The Indians do it and theyare on top. The United States of America and the United Kingdom all do it and they are developing so fast. All modern states can all do it too.
As i conclude this piece I would like to emphasize that the role of culture in development is enormous and cannot be overlooked if any meaningful progress is to be made in development and the safeguared of national heritage.
