What is the traditional economic view on development?

The traditional economic view on development is based on the premise that economic growth is the key to development. This concept sees development through a strictly economic lens, focusing on increases in productivity, growth of gross domestic product (GDP), and increases in per-capita income. Proponents of the traditional view believe that economic growth is the most efficient way to achieve improvements in living standards, and therefore, should be the primary goal of development policies. The traditional economic view assumes that economic growth is a necessary precondition for development and improvement in living standards. From this perspective, economic growth is seen as the only way to reduce poverty, improve health and education, and increase incomes.