THE IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT ON THE SOCIETY 

INTRODUCTION

Development is a process that creates growth, progress, positive change or the addition of physical, economic, environmental, social and demographic components.  The purpose of development is a rise in the level and quality of life of the population, and the creation or expansion of local regional income and employment opportunities, without damaging the resources of the environment.  Development is visible and useful, not necessarily immediately, and includes an aspect of quality change and the creation of conditions for a continuation of that change.

 ‘A critical activity will be information dissemination – educating people about IG issues and assisting them in formulating views and opinions that can not only be applied to their lives, but which can be communicated to national and regional leaders as appropriate.

THE IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT ON THE SOCIETY

It Creates A Better Quality of Life

A first reason why development is important for a Society is because it creates a better quality of life for people. People in developed Societies are more likely to live longer and happier lives. They are also generally more economically productive, hold better jobs, live in better quality housing and have access to better education and healthcare. All these factors contribute to a better standard of living for people in developed Societies. This is one of the best reasons why development is important for a Society.

As Societies become more developed, they are better able to meet the needs of their citizens. They are less likely to be affected by crime, armed violence or political instability. They can weather economic downturns better and create more dynamic economies. Developed Societies are also more likely to be democracies – allowing their citizens to participate in the political process and ensure inclusive political systems. All Societies strive for development – many do it to offer a better quality of life for their people. This is why development is vital for every Society in the world.

Development Improves Public Health

A second reason why development is important for a country is because it improves public health. As a country develops, its healthcare system gets better. This is because there is more government revenue to invest in healthcare. Increasing access to quality healthcare is crucial not only for the population’s quality of life but also for the continued economic development of the country.

Health and poverty are closely linked. People suffering ill health are often removed from the workforce. Those who must care for sick relatives also often cannot work. Developing a country so that it’s healthcare can improve has a definite impact on poverty reduction.

Another way that a country developing is beneficial in relation to healthcare is that as a population becomes more wealth, they are better able to live healthier lives. This, combined with the increased government spending on healthcare, makes significant improvements to a countries ability to meet the needs of its population.

It has been shown that development and improved public health are closely linked, and this is why development is vital for many countries.

It Lifts People Out of Poverty

The third reason why development is important for a country is that it lifts people out of poverty. 689 million people around the world live in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than 1.90 USD a day. As countries develop, their economies grow and living standards rise. This reduces the rate of poverty and allows more people to provide for themselves and their families and to live in dignity.

A life in poverty is hard. People living in poverty often lack education, access to quality healthcare, are discriminated against and lack access to decent housing. Millions of people around the world are in what’s known as the ‘poverty trap’ – unable to escape their circumstances. Development is vital for a country to break the cycle of poverty for its people and to lift large parts of the population out of destitution.

Global development is key to reducing poverty around the world. It is crucial for many countries that they develop or else large parts of their populations will continue to live in dire conditions.

Development Decreases Conflict

Another reason why development is important for a nation is because it reduces conflict and armed violence. As a Society develops crime, conflict and violence decreases. As people have a better standard of living and more economic opportunities, they are less likely to resort to violence and criminal activity. Many studies show that increased prosperity and a reduction in violence are closely correlated and this is why development is so important.

Citizens in more developed Societies have a higher stake in the status-que and are less likely to revolt against the current system. Less developed Societies see more violent protests, insurrections, coup attempts and armed groups. Factors like these can further fuel economic disruption and reduce a Societies development.

It is important that nations develop because as they do they become more stable. This in-turn increases investment, business confidence, trade and the overall prosperity of a Society.

Development Increases A Societies Global Standing

A further reason why development is important for Societies is because it increases their global influence.

Richer Societies have more power in the world. They have greater influence on world affairs, have a larger presence in international diplomacy and build alliances with other Societies easier. More developed Societies are also interfered with less and better able to stand-up for their own interests.

Development is crucial for a nation because it increases it’s standing in the world. It means they are better able to build relationships with other influential Societies. More developed Societies are able to engage more with international organizations, such as the United Nations, African Union and ASEAN. They are also less dependent on outside assistance, such as international aid or financial bailouts. Societies compete fiercely in the international arena. Development is important because it increases a Societies international prestige.

Developed Societies Are More Resilient

Societies that are developed a more resilient. This is a major reason why development is important for any nation. All Societies face challenges. Many experience disasters, crises and humanitarian emergencies. Others experience political turmoil or economic crises. Developed Societies are more able to respond to challenges. They also recover more quickly from crises and suffer less long-term impacts. The ability developed nations to overcome challenges and limit their long-term impacts shows how important development is.

Poorer and less developed Societies are less resilient. They often rely on external assistance to overcome crises. This can be in the form of humanitarian aid or financial assistance. It can also be in political or military support. Less developed Societies reliance on external assistance makes them more vulnerable. It also reduces their ability to meet challenges on their own in the long-term and develop mechanisms to face future crises. The more developed a Society is almost corelates with its level of resilience. This clearly demonstrates how vital development is to a Society.

It Reduces Inequality

Developed nations are less unequal. This is another reason why development is important for a Society. All of the most unequal Societies in the world are in the developing world. In comparison, all of the least unequal Societies are among the most developed. As Societies become more prosperous, inequality reduces. This is a major benefit of development and shows how vital it is for all Societies.

Inequality is a major issue for a nation. It breads resentment and instability, is a root cause of crime and armed violence and reduces the economic growth of a Society. High inequality is also a moral failing for a Society and shows its inability to meet the needs of all its citizens.

Development is hugely important for many poorer Societies because it will reduce inequality and make them fairer places for all the population.

Developed Societies Are Better Defended

Development is key to a Societies defence. This is a key reason why it is important for many Societies. All Societies face threats. There are other nations that wish to destabilise them, subjugate them or take parts of their territory. Throughout history every state has faced the threat of attack at some-point. Development is vital because it gives a nation the resources it needs to defend itself.

Developed Societies are able to have larger and better equipped armies. They are also able to form alliances with other rich nations and are integrated better into the global economic system. All these factors make them harder to attack and deter other Societies from interfering in their affairs.

Many of the Societies with the largest armies in the world are among the most developed. Societies with the most advanced military technology also rank among the world’s most prosperous. Both of these factors show how important development is for a Societies defence.

CONCLUSION

The development of society in science and technology during the last century achieved remarkable advances in industrial and energetic efficiency, communication multimedia, biomedical, and agricultural sciences, among other advances. These signify growing pressures to the environment to obtain raw material and resources to supply the industry and satisfy the demand in products and services by the world population.

Together with that it is remarkable the success in the generation of new technologies making possible more energetic efficiency, the wide use of renewable energy, safer and renewable use of water, new recycling technologies, and environmentally friendly designs, products, and services. But ignorance about these achievements and apathy to turn it into practical actions affect sustainability.

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