Bilateral Channels: Activities in the Social Field

Abstract

Since World War II, "social" programs have expanded rapidly throughout the world and there has been in creasing recognition that in the economic development of less- advanced nations, social development must keep pace if nations are to avoid social dislocations frequently associated with in dustrial and urban expansion. Bilateral programs have not given adequate attention to the social aspects of economic development. The United States has made its largest contri bution in the social field in the area of technical assistance to "community development," a movement with broad political, social, and economic implications which is spreading through out the world and is aimed at improving village life. The International Co-operation Administration (ICA) has also en gaged in training of personnel and direct service in the social field but has instructed that social programs must contribute to economic development. Other countries have likewise en gaged in bilateral programs in the social field, but, as in the United States program, they have minimized activities in the social field as compared to economic development programs. Increased attention to social factors can minimize the social problems associated with rapid economic development and in dustrialization and this is urged for future United States pro grams since the United States has the largest bilateral program in the world.