Short Summary: This journal makes the case that development is itself imbued with cultural values: 'The concept of development is laden with the cultural values of post- colonialism, of Northern countries, and of economists. Over the last 30 years, development has been synonymous with a Northern-based notion of 'modernisation' - economic progress from a 'traditional' to a 'modern' society. Therefore when we consider the issue of culture this involves us in questioning assumptions about the sort of development which is currently being promoted, and the vision of the world which motivates it'(Sweetman, 1995) (p1). At the same time, culture is an issue for societies in which development agencies work. The material effects of culture are explored in this context: 'Culture determines power relations within society, influencing women's and men's access to and control over economic resources, and their ability to take decisions in the family and community. Economic and political forces both shape and are shaped by culture' (p1).