In this volume a number of distinguished social scientists representing the disciplines of anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science, explore essential problems of developmental change against the theoretical background and empirical data of their own and related disciplines.

Developmental change is here viewed under a broad perspective. The considerations range from the problems that arise when human beings are confronted by change, to investment planning and decision-making in a specific case against a background of general poverty and a high birthrate, to the problem of what it is that constitutes development. In the concluding essay it is argued that the concerns of developmental change override the boundaries of existing disciplines and professions and demand the close cooperation of both the academic researcher and the field worker. The book contains valuable suggestions for all who are responsible for development planning and policy.