Development theories were originally dominated by economists19 and
focused on the state and macro-phenomena. The social aspects were
secondary to the goal of economic growth and transformation and were
instead a means to ensure a more effective use of resources than a goal in
themselves. In the 1970s, development research underwent a paradigm
shift. It became multi-disciplinary and more micro-oriented. Strategies like
“the basic need strategy” expressed social goals, and women’s concerns
were placed on the agenda.