Mythology, Narrative, and Discourse in Javanese Wayang Towards Cross-level Theories for the new Development Paradigm

The shift towards a new paradigm of development has so far been accompanied by few nevo theoretical formulations capable of dealing with the posited multiplicity of interactions among diverse social formations and across levels of social organization. The value of and challenges inherent in integrative cross-level theorizing are discussed and an approach is proposed that draws on theories of mythology, discourse, and the narrative construction of reality. Finally, the approach is illustrated with an examination of indigenous media, in general, and of the discursive richness and contemporary importance as a development medium of the shadow puppet /wayang/ tradition in Central Java, Indonesia. Implications for applied work in development are discussed.