Is economic growth without economic development meaningless?

This is an age old debate, however it has been postulated that economic growth is one aspect of the process of economic development. (Howard 2001 et al. " there are an inescapable intimate relation between the two. Economic development and economic growth are two terms that are used interchangeably and sometimes incorrectly, however we could have one at the expense of the other.

Economic growth focuses on market productivity and rise in GDP, this is as a direct result to increase production (i.e. output of final goods and services) in every sector of the economy. This focus is quantitative by nature.

Economic development is referred to as the investment by society and government (policy intervention programs); this implies the promotion of an increase in the standard of living and quality of life. These actions include qualitative initiatives (environmental sustainability, health care, education).

Development is a fluid concept therefore, what constitute development for one may not be applicable to another. Miere' (1989), p.6. "Economic development is the process whereby the real per capita income of a country increases over a period of time_ subject to the stipulations that the number of people below an 'absolute poverty line' does not increase, and that the distribution of income does not become more unequal".

This important process of translating your human resource and natural resource into sustainable resources is a difficult task ,whereby economic growth can take place without a clear impact on economic development, the former can be measured, however the latter; it is more difficult to define, a lot of variables have to be evident.

Certain countries have been given development country status; this fluid concept can change. What is developed now may be under develop later. However to maintain developmental status we need to; effectively manipulating our physical capital (UWI) to harness our capacity (human capital) through research and development; since technology, professional and administrative people are needed to make effective use of material capital.

In closing the two measureable aspect of development are quantitative and qualitative by nature. In my understanding, yes it's meaningless to have one at the expense of the other. The benefit of economic growth should be enjoyed by all citizens in an equitable manner.