Is Development Unilineal and Homogeneous? Sumathi S., Kumar Udhaya Department of Anthropology, University of Madras, Chennai Online published on 31 August, 2012. Abstract The concept of development can be, in fact, should be, discussed in relation to the agency, method, and goals. Goals of development are very important. Connected to the issue of goals is the method adopted or the means for achieving goals. What are the goals of development and the means are entirely dependent on the agency, which determines the goals and means. Basically itis the character of the agency, which is crucial in this respect. The state policy with regard to ‘Development’ of tribes and other forestrelated local communities is quite clear –– it considers development unilineal with a gradation. State policies as reflected in the legal regime created such as the forest policies and the recent PPVFR ACT, 2002 and Biodiversity Act, 2002 need to be analyzed in the light of the forest related communities -their access to resources and livelihood security. The present paper at one level suggests that the concepts underlying development approaches should be subject to greater critical analysis. On another level, empirical evidence draws a recursive relationship between the state forest policy and the social structure. It illustrates the need for a deeper understanding of the issues of development. The article concludes by identifying the question such an analysis raises about the relationship between community, livelihood security and the state forest policy. The case study of Muduvan community of Anamalai Tiger Reserve Forest of Tamil Nadu, their lifes, livelihood patterns, and policies impinging on their lifes are presented and ultimately derive an alternate development model. Top Keywords Development Index, unilineal evolution, political ideology. Top |