Introduction

Since World War II, but with roots preceding that time, development has been a major world concern (Arndt 1987). Initial efforts were directed to Europe’s reconstruction through the Marshall Plan, European Economic Community, and related arrangements. Attention then turned to the Third World, giving rise to the World Bank; regionally-focussed institutions such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Latin American Free Trade Association; and national organizations of which the United States Agency for International Development and Canada’s International Development Agency are examples. Early development efforts were defined around largely economic goals that included increased income and productive capacity, economic independence, and as the engine of change, industrialization and/or trade. Later, goals were broadened to more strongly emphasize equity considerations, distributional aspects of economic growth, basic human needs, and conditions for self-fulfillment.