Development may be best understood in terms of the interplay among capital accumulation, the state and class. Subject to globalizing structures, classes are examined in light of their interactions with culture, especially gender, religion, and ecology. Case studies about Brazil, the newly industrializing Asian countries, China, and Mozambique reveal three possibilities for overcoming underdevelopment by joining, leaving or weaving through global capitalism. The conclusions do not fail to present specific principles upon which policies can be based.