The Use and Abuse of Models in Development Planning 1

The following criticism is not intended as a rejection of all models in the analysis of underdevelopment and in planning for development. All thought presupposes implicit or explicit model building and model using. Rigorous abstraction, simplification and quantification are necessary conditions of analysis and policy. But models must be realistic, relevant and useful. The trouble with many current models is that they are shapely and elegant, but lack the vital organs.