CULTURES AND ECONOMIES - IRRESISTIBLE FORCES ENCOUNTER IMMOVABLE OBJECTS

There is a major battle looming over whether cultures or economies sho uld be the focus of future developmental activity and national and int ernational concern. Those favouring economies contend that economies d eserve highest priority because they are concerned with people's basic needs. Those favouring cultures contend that cultures deserve highest priority because they are concerned with the total spectrum of human needs as well as the relationship with the environment. This article i s divided into four parts. First, the rise and triumph of economies is traced. Second, some cracks which are starting to appear in the armou r of economies and economics generally are examined. Third, the emerge nce of cultures is analysed. Finally, some implications of the shift t hat appears to be occurring from economies to cultures are explored.