Developing country

Defining a developing country: A complex and evolving landscape

When we talk about “developing countries,” it’s like trying to catch a shadow. The term is fluid, with no clear-cut definition that everyone agrees on. It’s a bit like saying someone is “tall” – the line between short and tall can vary depending on who you ask.

The World Bank tries to make sense of this by classifying countries based on their gross national income per capita. But even then, it’s not as simple as categorizing apples into red or green. There are sub-groupings like least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states. It’s a bit like sorting a mixed fruit basket – some fruits might fit in multiple categories!

These countries often face challenges that make them seem “developing.” Think of it as a house with a leaky roof, broken windows, and outdated plumbing. Issues such as lower access to safe drinking water, sanitation, energy poverty, higher levels of pollution, and higher proportions of people with tropical diseases are like the leaks in this metaphorical house.

But what about the people living in these countries? Are they just waiting for a magic wand to wave them into prosperity? Not quite. Many developing countries have made significant strides since gaining independence after World War II. They’ve established democratic governments, and their inhabitants have been introduced to democratic systems later than those in developed nations. However, effective citizenship is still a work in progress – it’s like teaching someone to ride a bike; they might wobble at first but eventually find their balance.

Development aid or development cooperation can be seen as a lifeline thrown to these countries. It’s like when you see someone struggling in the ocean and throw them a lifebuoy. But is this approach enough? Critics argue that it perpetuates a binary view of developed versus developing, which is outdated and not descriptive or explanatory.

The term “developing country” has been associated with various research theories such as modernization theory, dependency theory, development theory, and postdevelopment theory. These theories are like different lenses through which we can view the world – each one offers a unique perspective but none provides a complete picture.

One of the biggest challenges facing developing countries is globalization itself. It’s like being in a race where some runners start with a head start. Globalization has brought both opportunities and threats, making it difficult for these nations to keep up. Issues such as health governance, poverty, human resource weakness, economic vulnerability, and higher risk of balance of payments crises are like the hurdles they must clear.

Urban areas in developing countries often face their own set of challenges. Slums, violence against women, female genital mutilation (FGM), and inadequate healthcare systems are like the dark corners that need light. For instance, around 33% of urban populations lived in slums in 2012 due to rapid migration, economic stagnation, high unemployment, poverty, informal economy, and forced ghettoization.

Environmental issues such as water pollution, indoor air pollution, and lack of modern energy services are like the smog that hangs over a city. In India alone, 580 people die daily from water pollution-related illnesses. Climate change exacerbates these problems, making developing countries particularly vulnerable due to high climate vulnerability, economic challenges, and limited access to technology and resources.

The term “Third World” is outdated and no longer used, replaced by more nuanced terms like the Global South or regional or income-based categories. This shift reflects a recognition that there are not just two types of countries but over 200 with unique features.

In conclusion, developing countries face a myriad of challenges, from economic to social and environmental issues. They are complex entities, each with its own story and struggles. The term “developing country” is like a map – it helps us understand the terrain but doesn’t tell the whole story. As we move forward, it’s important to recognize that these countries have unique features and challenges that require tailored approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.