Abstract:
The contribution of sociology to development thinking is not accepted
with acclaim. For this reason it is postulated that the social aspects
in development thinking and activities did not receive the attention it
warrants. The role of social aspects in development activities and the
way in which it can be addressed was therefore reconsidered in .this
study. The conclusion was reached that sociology has the potential
through existing information on social change and organisations to
contribute to development thinking and practice, in relation to other
disciplines according to the multi-faceted nature of development.
To enable one to address development as phenomenon from a sociological
perspective, it is necessary to consider its nature in order to
establish the position of the social aspects in it . If development is
considered as a multi-faceted or multi-dimensional phenomenon which
includes social aspects as part of it, it becomes evident that the
sociologist's role is probably to be found in the contribution he can
make to the knowledge and understanding of the nature of institutional
and organisational aspects, and the role thereof, in the improvement of
human well-being. Through the consideration of the social aspects, it
seems clear that these aspects should be considered as entities in a
stable society. One should also consider the contribution they can make
in a changing situation. For this reason a method of planned social
change is proposed to approach social change. Having considered development as a phenomenon, normally including two
dominant actors, namely planned beneficiaries and change agents, it
seemed necessary that specific orientations and arrangements should
exist in development activities. Agents of change should be able to
fulfil a specific role for which they must be equipped . Planned beneficiaries
must also be in a position from which they can contribute if the
improvement of human well-being is attempted . The role of the agent of
change was therefore proposed as that of contributor in a partnership
relationship with his planned beneficiary. This implies the establishment
of co-operative arrangements and orientations between the two ·
parties on the basis of the consideration of their various features and
needs that may contribute towards their development.
