Development refers to growth or progress, positive change, a rise in the quality of life and the creation of conditions for further improvement. It is a global process that includes economic, environmental and social components. The goal of development is to raise living standards without damaging the natural environment. Development is a relative term, so it can be difficult to judge. Various studies have tried to compare the level of development between societies, but it is important to note that these comparisons are difficult and controversial because of the many cultural differences that exist.
A key to understanding development is to recognize that it is an emergent property of the economic and social system. This can be seen in the way that a person develops, or how a business evolves. Development is also found in breaking news, or the latest information about an event.
The study of development is guided by the assumptions that researchers have about human nature and human behavior. These assumptions are known as meta-theories. Some of these theories are based on evolutionary principles, others are interactionist or contextualist in approach and still others are systems-oriented.
Some theorists describe development as a continuum that moves from an initial stage to a final, more advanced state. However, the exact sequence of stages is a matter of opinion and differs from one theory to another. In addition, different theorists may emphasize different aspects of development or distinguish different categories of development.