ABSTRACT

Integral human development is a human-centered development perspective that holds that authentic development is the development that makes every person “more human” and seeks to promote the good of the whole person and of every person. This chapter begins with a brief explanation of the origins and implications of the conceptual foundations of integral human development. Integral human development offers a truly radical participatory approach to human development by focusing on the well-being of the whole person, and on every single person, whether they are poor, disadvantaged and marginalized or rich, privileged and powerful. Concerns about agency, civic liberty and integral human development’s relationship with Catholic social teaching are considered. The conclusion offers a short explanation of integral human development in practice.