Module 4. Of Blind Men and Paradigms

OBJECTIVES

After studying this module, you should be able to:

1. enumerate the four major paradigms through which the problem of underdevelopment is analyzed; and
2. determine the subordinate and superordinate influential factors of the underdevelopment problematique from each major paradigm

ACTIVITIES

Read Chapter 4 of your text.

In Chapter 2, we attempted to draw a problematique map and to trace its superordinate influential factors. The configurations in this map as well as the root causes identified would depend to a large degree on the perspective that we adopt. As discussed in Chapter 4, there are four major paradigms used in analyzing underdevelopment, namely: the technological paradigm; the economic paradigm; the structural paradigm; and the values paradigm.

Activity 4.1. From the technological point of view, draw the underdevelopment problematique.

Activity 4.2. From the economic point of view, draw the underdevelopment problematique.

Activity 4.3. From the structural paradigm, draw the underdevelopment problematique. 

Activity 4.4. From the values paradigm, draw the underdevelopment problematique.

You should draw the maps in your DEVC 202 Journal.

ANSWERS:

Analyzing the problem of Child Malnutrition in Cotabato City using the four major paradigms

	Superordinate Influential Factors	Subordinate Influential Factors
Technological Paradigm	Lack of access to advanced medical technology for diagnosing and treating malnutrition Inadequate healthcare infrastructure and facilities for child health monitoring Limited availability of technology-driven nutritional education programs Challenges in distributing fortified foods and supplements efficiently Lack of technology for real-time data collection and monitoring of malnutrition rates Limited telemedicine or e-health resources for remote areas	Access to healthcare facilities and services Less health worker training and availability Public awareness and education on nutrition Availability of nutritious food in the market Economic constraints in accessing technology Quality of water and sanitation facilities
Economic Paradigm	Widespread poverty and income inequality Limited job opportunities for parents, leading to insufficient family income Inadequate social safety nets and welfare programs Economic instability affecting the affordability of nutritious food High prices of nutritious food items Lack of investment in economic development projects	Access to affordable healthcare services Government economic policies and interventions Local employment opportunities Food security and access to markets Socioeconomic disparities within the community Availability of credit and financial services.
Structural Paradigm	Social inequality and class disparities Political power dynamics impacting resource allocation Inequitable distribution of resources Governance issues, including corruption Gender-based discrimination affecting child care Inadequate implementation of child nutrition programs	Land ownership and access Political stability and government accountability Access to quality education Community-based initiatives for nutrition Influence of local and traditional leaders Public participation in governance
Values Paradigm	Cultural norms and values related to child-rearing and nutrition Traditional dietary practices Gender roles and responsibilities in childcare Influence of media and education on values related to nutrition Community perceptions of child malnutrition Religious beliefs impacting healthcare decisions	Community-based cultural initiatives Health education and awareness campaigns Gender empowerment programs Media messages promoting nutritious diets Religious leaders’ involvement in health advocacy Parental education and awareness of child nutrition

MODULE 4 NOTES:

A paradigm is a way of explaining things and adopting a set of assumptions about nature, interpretation, reasoning, and theorizing. Different individuals and disciplines may use different paradigms to analyze problems, including underdevelopment.

The four major paradigms through which the problem of underdevelopment is analyzed are:

1. Technological Paradigm: This paradigm attributes underdevelopment to a lack of technological know-how in the Third World. It suggests that adopting modern technology from developed nations can help address underdevelopment issues.
2. Economic Paradigm: The economic paradigm views underdevelopment as a result of poor economic policies. It emphasizes the importance of sound monetary and fiscal policies as the key instruments for development.
3. Structural Paradigm: This paradigm attributes underdevelopment to unjust social systems and institutions. It suggests that societal problems are rooted in social structures, and changing the social order through revolution or devolution is necessary to solve underdevelopment problems.
4. Values Paradigm: The values paradigm suggests that underdevelopment is linked to the values held by a society. It emphasizes the need to change and instill positive values associated with development to address underdevelopment issues.

These four paradigms offer different perspectives on the root causes of underdevelopment and provide various approaches to address this complex problem.

The chapter introduces the concept of selectivity, which refers to the limited vision of the world due to selective exposure, perception, and retention. It emphasizes the importance of considering multiple points of view to arrive at a more holistic and accurate understanding of underdevelopment.

Development Communication Response: Regardless of the paradigm adopted, the primary goal of development communication is to provide the right information at the right time and place, improve educational delivery systems, and ensure that information flows within the social system contribute to its development and evolution.