The Sociology of Development between Classical Approaches and the Contemporary Challenges of Sustainability

Abstract

This article addresses the field of the sociology of development by tracing its evolution from classical approaches to contemporary perspectives related to sustainable development. Classical approaches focused on economic growth, modernization, and industrialization as key indicators of development. In contrast, critical approaches—particularly dependency theory—offered an explanation for underdevelopment based on power relations and inequalities among societies and states. With the escalation of social and environmental crises, the concept of sustainable development has emerged as a more comprehensive vision of the development process. This vision is based on the integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions, with an emphasis on social justice, community participation, and the protection of natural resources. The article concludes that development is no longer merely the achievement of economic growth, but has become an integrated human and social process, and that the sociology of development contributes to understanding its transformations and challenges and to building more just and sustainable policies.