Wagle, Subodh. 1993. "Sustainable Development: Some Interpretations, Implications, and Uses." Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society 13: 314-323.

Thesis:

"This paper attempts to go beyond the fashionable interpretation of sustainable development and to present, instead, an emerging third world perspective on development and its relevance to the poor and their needs" (p. 314).

Summary:

Western Models of Development:

Wagle argues that Western goals of development tend to be aimed at what are often called "underdeveloped, less developed, or developing countries" (p. 314). Further, he criticizes the policy makers who endorse "the Western model of economic, social, and political organization as the best means to develop Africa, Asia and Latin America" (p. 314). He argues that the essence of Western development programs has been to replicate Western values, institutions, policies and organizations in the third world. This, however, has failed in that no there is no conclusive evidence showing that the material, social or political conditions of the third world have improved in a manner that "addresses the needs of its people" (p. 315).

Evolution of the Concept of Sustainable Development

Wagle describes several conceptualizations of sustainable development, including mention of the Cocoyoc Declaration (1974), the World Conservation Strategy (1980), Michael Redclift and Robert Chambers.

The WCED School of Development

In introducing the contribution made by the WCED, Wagle reviews Lele's analysis of the mainstream view of sustainability. It is this mainstream view that is represented in the WCED's Our Common Future. Wagle notes, "the report argues that the development problem can be resolved by providing the poor with their 'essential needs,' and that the environmental problem fundamentally is one of observing natural limits in the conduct of social activities" (p. 316). He then reviews and reinforces Redclift's critique of WCED.

Third World Perspective on Sustainability

Representatives of third world countries tend to be critical of the WCED's position. Through a recent effort by Southern and Northern NGOs, a third world perspective, one calling for discussions about sustainable development to actually address the needs and conditions of the third world, was developed. Six principles of this perspective are outlined. The final portion of this section includes a discussion of the six 'social goals' of Goldemberg et al: "The goal of a sustainable world must embody these social goals - equity, economic efficiency, environmental soundness, long-term viability, self-reliance, and peace" (p. 318).

Taking Issue with the WCED Interpretation of Sustainability

Table 1 provides a comparison of sustainable development frameworks. Wagle then identifies two weaknesses of the WCED interpretation: 1) it insists on reviving economic growth and on increasing per capita income and 2) it neglects "wasteful consumption" while it concentrates on poverty in order to stop physical degradation. Further, the fact that this interpretation ignores social dimensions, like equity and cultural integrity, it is "devoid of depth and range" (see p. 319). Wagle argues, "Consideration of the political economy of development will point out the need to restructure present international, national, and local institutions and the need to involve people everywhere in decision making" (p. 319). Democratizing development requires the implementation of consensus decision making and personal empowerment.

Political Problems with the WCED Concept of Sustainability

Wagle discusses the danger associated with ambiguity and co-optation as related to the WCED concept. He concludes this section with a case study analysis of the Narmada Dam in central India.

Wagle argues, "the greatest danger to environmentally sound, socially meaningful, and culturally reinforcing development is the continued attachment to an ideology of economic growth and managed consensus" (p. 322).

Keywords: western models of development; third world perspective; democratizing development