Problem
Negative stereotyping of majority world
Other Names:
Promulgating popular myths of underdevelopmentHegemony of development images
Nature:
Westerners (those from the "developed world") perceive people of the majority ("developing") world, and commonly portray them in their public culture, from the assumption that their difference is in some ways unacceptable and inferior. In this way the "backward" countries of the majority world have been robbed of their right to be different. Their particular indigenous cultures and traditions have been denied validity and recognition.
Incidence:
Popular myths of underdevelopment include: (1) The Third World is always in crisis; (2) The climatic conditions inhibit development; (3) Overpopulation is responsible for hunger, disease and warfare; (4) There is not enough food to feed all the people; (5) Countries can't develop because of corrupt governments; (6) Violent tribal conflict is responsible for many of the problems; (7) Third World people and their culture are still backward; (8) Aid and technological assistance from the North are necessary to solve the problems; (9) Aid-giving countries are great because they are so generous.
Broader Problems:
StereotypesCultural repressionReduced images of humanness Related Problems:
Food insecurity Subjective cultural rankingReverse flow of financial aidTribal conflicts within statesUnsustainable population levelsImbalance in world food economyTechnology gap between countriesDeficiencies of developing countriesUnethical practices in the public sectorLack of long-term development assistance Aggravates:
Vulnerability of least developed countries Subject(s):
Design → Design Development → Development
Government → Politics
Individuation → Symbols, myths
Psychology → Imagery
Societal Problems → Imbalances
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST