The influence of economic factors on socio-cultural aspects in traditional, industrial, and "transitional" societies is explored through an examination of the socioeconomic structure and organisation in these societies. Transitional societies are defined as those that are moving from a traditional nature to an industrial one. India is used as an example of a transitional society. Links between the socio-economic contexts of the three societies, their child rearing goals and practices, and features of early intervention programs are established. Key aspects of effective intervention identified in the United States are analysed with respect to their appropriateness for Indian society. It is proposed that the diverse child rearing goals and practices of the Indian culture are not compatible with Western conceptualisations of effective early intervention. In conclusion, issues and questions for research that would lay the foundations for developing culturally responsive early intervention programs in transitional societies are identified.