Understanding True Development in Societies

One of the fundamental questions that we often ponder is the true measure of development. While this concept may seem straightforward, its meaning is far more nuanced than it appears. Development is not synonymous with wealth. It is not merely the accumulation of riches, nor can it be accurately measured by achievements of the past or a rich historical heritage. Instead, true development involves understanding differences among people and fostering an environment where these differences can coexist in harmony. When societies embrace diversity, they create a wealth that extends beyond material riches—a wealth that drives profound and sustainable development.

This idea challenges the conventional wisdom that equates sophistication with wealth. While wealth may offer a superficial appearance of sophistication, true refinement is better understood as a product of mannerliness. Mannerliness, a concept familiar to many yet often overlooked, plays a crucial role in shaping societies. It is a form of behavior that reflects culture, respect, and the ability to interact with others in a way that promotes social cohesion.

Turkey, despite ranking 16th globally in terms of gross income per capita, falls short of these broader development criteria. Through my travels, I have observed that countries with lower incomes than Turkey often surpass it in terms of sophistication and development, as defined by the criteria of cultural and social refinement rather than mere economic wealth. This raises an important question: why do some countries with similar or even lower national incomes seem more developed than others? The answer lies in the role of culture and manners in shaping development.

The Role of Culture and Manners in Development

Culture is the foundation upon which societies build their identities. It shapes values, norms, and behaviors, and is deeply intertwined with manners—how individuals treat each other and conduct themselves in public and private life. In this sense, culture and manners are not just superficial aspects of society; they are integral to its development.

Consider the concept of "European Culture," which is often associated with certain levels of development. Countries that have adopted elements of European culture, particularly in terms of manners and social behaviors, tend to exhibit more advanced levels of development. This is not to say that European culture is superior, but rather that the adoption of certain cultural practices, such as respect for the rule of law, social responsibility, and communal harmony, contributes to a more sophisticated and developed society.

In contrast, countries that lack these cultural influences often struggle with systemlessness—a state of disorganization and inefficiency. Without a shared cultural framework to guide behaviors and interactions, these societies face challenges in creating a cohesive and functional system. This disarray can hinder economic development and create barriers to social progress.

The poet's observation that "literacy takes away ignorance, but arrogance remains" is particularly relevant here. Education alone is not enough to foster development; it must be accompanied by a cultural foundation that promotes humility, respect, and cooperation. This is why mannerliness, as an expression of culture, is so critical to development. It is not simply about etiquette or politeness, but about the deeper values that underpin a functional and harmonious society.

The Singaporean Model: A Case Study in Development

To illustrate the importance of culture and manners in development, let's examine Singapore—a small city-state with a population of just 4.5 million people. Despite its size, Singapore has achieved remarkable levels of development, attracting 12 million tourists annually. What makes Singapore so appealing to visitors and so successful in its development?

Singapore's journey of development is rooted in its strategic approach to trade and tourism. From the moment one arrives at Changi Airport, it is clear that Singapore has integrated its development strategy into every aspect of its infrastructure. The airport itself is more than just a gateway to the city; it is a symbol of Singapore's commitment to excellence. With its seamless connectivity to the city through bus, train, and metro systems, the airport embodies the efficiency and integration that define Singapore's approach to development.

Singapore’s success is not just about infrastructure; it’s about the deliberate cultivation of a culture that values order, cleanliness, and respect for others. This culture is evident in the city’s public spaces, where littering is heavily penalized, and in its laws, which strictly prohibit drug use. These regulations are not merely about maintaining appearances but are reflective of a broader cultural commitment to social responsibility and collective well-being.

Singapore’s focus on culture and manners extends to its commercial activities as well. The city’s development strategy has centered on creating an environment that is both conducive to business and attractive to tourists. This has been achieved by making trade and tourism integral parts of the city’s identity, rather than separate sectors. As a result, visitors to Singapore experience a city that is not only prosperous but also sophisticated in its approach to development.

Lessons for Turkey: The Importance of Inclusive Development

The Singaporean model offers valuable lessons for Turkey and other countries that aspire to achieve sustainable development. One of the key takeaways is the importance of creating an inclusive development model that allows all segments of society to benefit from economic growth. In Turkey, current city structures often limit areas of profit to certain segments of the population, leading to power struggles and economic disparities. This concentration of wealth in the hands of a few not only stifles competition but also creates an economic environment that is more about protectionism than a competitive market economy.

A competitive market economy benefits both producers and consumers by maximizing efficiency and fostering innovation. However, to achieve this, it is essential to implement standard practices that promote fair competition. In Turkey, there is a need to move away from policies that protect entrenched interests and towards those that encourage open competition.

For example, the food industry in Turkey, particularly the döner kebab sector, is a common profession but lacks standardization. Many döner restaurants operate without adhering to consistent quality or hygiene standards, which not only affects the consumer experience but also undermines the potential for these businesses to compete on a larger scale. This lack of standardization is also evident in other sectors, such as minibus and taxi services, where partial standards exist but are often poorly enforced. The result is a business environment where the norm is to cut corners rather than strive for excellence.

The attitude of "everyone is doing it, so why shouldn’t I?" is pervasive in such environments, leading to a cycle of mediocrity. However, wrong practices should be identified and corrected, regardless of how widespread they are. Establishing and enforcing standards is crucial for creating a competitive and fair market that drives development.

Expanding on the Concept of Development

True development, therefore, is not just about economic indicators like GDP or per capita income. It is about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, where differences are respected, and where cultural values such as mannerliness and social responsibility are ingrained in everyday life.

A developed society is one where people can interact with each other respectfully, where public spaces are clean and orderly, and where laws are enforced fairly. It is a society where individuals take responsibility for their actions and where the collective well-being is prioritized over individual gain.

This broader understanding of development also requires a shift in how we approach education. While education is essential for development, it must go beyond the mere transmission of knowledge. Education should also focus on cultivating the values and behaviors that contribute to a well-functioning society. This includes teaching respect for others, encouraging civic responsibility, and promoting the importance of contributing to the community.

In Turkey, there is a need for a cultural shift that prioritizes these values. This shift can be encouraged through public campaigns, changes in the education system, and by promoting examples of good behavior in public life. The goal should be to create a culture where respect for others, adherence to the rule of law, and social responsibility are the norm, rather than the exception.

Moving Forward: Practical Steps for Enhancing Development

To move forward, Turkey and other countries facing similar challenges must take practical steps to enhance development beyond economic measures. These steps include:

1. Implementing and enforcing standards in key industries, such as food services and transportation, to ensure that businesses operate at a high level of quality and fairness.

2. Incorporating cultural education into the school curriculum to teach students the importance of mannerliness, respect, and social responsibility.

3. Launching public campaigns that promote positive behaviors and highlight the benefits of a well-mannered society. These campaigns can be used to change public attitudes towards issues such as littering, corruption, and public behavior.

4. Providing incentives for businesses and individuals who adhere to high standards of conduct. This could include recognition programs, financial rewards, or tax benefits for companies that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.

5. Developing policies that promote inclusive growth, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from economic development. This includes supporting small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and investing in rural development.

6. Studying successful development models from other countries, such as Singapore, and adapting these lessons to local contexts. This could involve collaboration with international organizations, learning exchanges, and pilot projects.

7. Strengthening governance and reducing corruption to create a more transparent and accountable system. Good governance is essential for creating an environment where development can thrive.

8. Encouraging community involvement in development initiatives. This could involve creating forums for public discussion, involving citizens in decision-making processes, and supporting grassroots movements that promote social responsibility.

Conclusion: A New Measure of Development

As we reconsider the measure of development, it is clear that true progress cannot be captured solely by economic metrics. While wealth is an important aspect of development, it is not the ultimate goal. Development is about creating a society where people can live in harmony, where differences are respected, and where culture and manners play a central role in shaping interactions.

By focusing on these broader aspects of development, countries like Turkey can move beyond the limitations of GDP and per capita income to achieve a more holistic and sustainable form of progress. This new measure of development, rooted in culture, manners, and social responsibility, offers a path towards a more equitable, prosperous, and harmonious future.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Mithat Direk is serving the Department of Agricultural Economics, Selcuk University, Konya-Türkiye.

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