Social Development

Social Development

The term ‘development’ usually refers to economic progress, but, it can very well apply to political, social and technological progress, as well. These various sectors of society are so intertwined that it is difficult to neatly separate them. Development in all these sectors is governed by the same principles and laws, and therefore the term applies uniformly.

Social development is about improving the well-being of every individual, in society, so that they can reach their full potential. The success of society is linked to the well-being of each and every citizen. Social development means, investing in people. It requires the removal of barriers, so that all citizens can journey towards their dreams, with confidence and dignity. It is about refusing to accept that people, who live in poverty, would always remain poor. It is about helping people so that they can move forward, on their path to self-sufficiency.

A safe, affordable place to live at, is very important in helping people achieve self-sufficiency. It is the focus of family life; where families can live safely, nurture their children, build community relationships and care for aging parents. Without a decent place to live at, it is difficult to function, as a productive member of society. Investments in people that contribute to the economic prosperity of society, include youth programmes and services, post-secondary education, job creation, promotion of healthy, active living and safe and secure communities.

To reduce poverty the country needs to take a social development approach and invest in people. By investing in people, the government can reduce poverty. The society needs to go, beyond looking towards government to find ways to develop the most valuable resources and people. We need to share responsibility, with community organisations, business houses, universities and municipalities, in the task of improving the lot of all people and preventing and reducing poverty.

Social development is about putting people at the centre of development. This means a commitment that development processes need to benefit people, particularly, but not only the poor—and also a recognition that people, and the way they interact, in groups and society, and the norms that facilitate such interaction—shape development processes.

Social Development implies the change in social institutions. Progress, towards an inclusive society, for example, it is implied that individuals treat each other more fairly, in their daily lives, whether in the family, workplace, or in public office. Social cohesion is enhanced, when peaceful and safe environment, within neighbourhoods and communities are created.

The basic mechanism, driving social change is increasing awareness, leading to better organisation. When society senses new and better opportunities for progress, it develops new forms of organisation, to exploit these new openings successfully. The new forms of organisation are better able to harness the available social energies and skills and resources to use the opportunities to get the intended results.

Development is governed by many factors that influence the results of developmental efforts. There must be a motive that drives the social change and essential preconditions, for that change to occur. The motive must be powerful enough to overcome obstructions that impede the change, from occurring. Development also requires resources, such as capital, technology and supporting infrastructure.

Development is the proof of society’s capacity to organise resources, to meet challenges and opportunities. Society passes through well-defined stages, in the course of its development. Pioneers introduce new ideas, practices, and habits that conservative elements initially resist. At a later stage, innovations are accepted, imitated, organised, and used by other members of the community. Organisational improvements, introduced to support innovations, can take place simultaneously, at four different levels—physical, social, mental, and psychological. Moreover four different types of resources are involved in promoting development. Of these four, physical resources are most visible, but least capable of expansion. Productivity of resources increases enormously, as the quality of organisation and level of knowledge inputs rise.

Development pace and scope varies according to the stage, society is in. The three main stages are physical, vital (vital refers to the dynamic social energies of humanity that propel individuals to accomplish), and the mental.

The term ‘development’ usually refers to economic progress, but, it can very well apply to political, social and technological progress, as well. These various sectors of society are so intertwined that it is difficult to neatly separate them. Development in all these sectors is governed by the same principles and laws, and therefore the term applies uniformly.