The process of a systematic unfolding of a
system 's
structure. In biology, all molecular processes that underlie the
growth to maturity of an organism. In psychology, the
correlation between age and the capacity to engage in certain
behaviors, particularly in children. In the economics of underdeveloped countries, the concept is politically controversial because it implies
progress ive structural changes from primitive to advanced forms and because this current use of the term by Western economists may serve technological imperialism. Nevertheless, the unfolding and growth of structures to their natural limits and their eventual replacements by new forms is observable, particularly in society, and without the need to refer to life-cycles or to assume progress, making development an important adjunct of the cybernetic concern with
organization. (
Krippendorff )
