Obsolete basis of cultural identity

Whenever effective development takes place, a major effort is spent creating a cultural framework which motivates citizens. This framework, based on geography, history, vision of the future and labour gives direction to all aspects of the community effort. The basis of the community's identity is out of date and the community senses that its historical role is completed, the sense of self-identity fades as do the languages, practices and customs which developed around the old identity. Individuals and organizations outside the community may reenforce the sense of lost identity by the way they relate to the community. The community's sense of what is significant responsibilities of citizens may also reenforce the identity of the community. Only when small rural communities recreate their cultural identity in terms relevant to the contemporary world will the residents have the motivation to necessary to sustain development efforts.