SOCIAL CHANGE

A society does not remain static as it undergoes change. When we compare the
present society and the society some hundred years ago one definitely observes changes.
Some changes observed are related to the dressing pattern, food habits, vehicles of
transport, value system, an open attitude for people from various castes and communities,
inter caste marriages, professions on the basis of training and qualification and not caste. It
is necessary to understand what types of changes are termed as social change and what
type are not. A study of definitions of social change will help in this.

Definitions of social change

Jenson defines social change as, Social change may be defined as modification in
the ways of doing and thinking of people.
Kingslay Davis defines social changes as, Only such alterations as occur in social
organization i. e., in the structure and functions of a society.
Kuppuswamy defines social change as, When we speak of social change we might assert
that there is some change in social behaviour and in the social structure.

Harry Johnson covers five kinds of changes under social changes:

(i) change in social value
(ii) institutional change
(iii) change in the distribution of possessions and awards
(iv) change in personnel
(v) change in abilities or attributes of personnel

A study of these definitions of social change indicates that only such changes which are
accompanied by changes in behaviour of people, in the social structure, in the institutions of
society, in the values of society, in the social organization, in the ways of thinking and doing
of people, in the way wealth is distributed in society and the abilities and attributes of
personnel can be called as social change.

Generally, a change in society which is fairly long lasting can be called a social change.
Small terms changes which do not affect any other aspect of society such as changes
brought in through change in fashion are not called as social change. Social change can be
positive or negative.

Examples of social change

Breaking of joint family system and the emergence of nuclear family.

The abolition of zamindari system
Weakening of caste system

FACTORS AFFECTING SOCIAL CHANGE

Physical factors/Geographical factors

Demographic factors
Political factors
Economic factors
Industrial factors
Scientific and technological invention
Social and cultural factors

PROCESSES OF CHANGE

Social change can occur on account of many processes. These processes are as follows.

Sanskritization
Westernization
Modernization
Industrialization
Urbanization

GLOBALIZATION
MEANING OF GLOBALIZATION Globalisation and its consequent process of
liberalisation and privatisation have engaged much more than any other issue
today. Globalisation is also one of the most used but less defined and even less
agreed upon terms in economic and political discourses in the contemporary time.
Hence, some would argue that instead of trying to define the term globalisation
it may be expedient to locate the impact of globalisation. According to J. Hallak
(1999), the globalization is based on the market principles and mechanisms. Its
main driving forces are:- ideological the free market;- economic the capital and
the profit- political the governing /the power.is the flow of technology,
economy, values, ideas...across the borders. Globalization affects each country in
a different way due to nations individual history, traditions, culture and
priorities.Knight and De wit (1997)

1. It breaks geo-political boundaries between nations.

2. It is aided by technological advancement specially ICT.
3. It has emphasis on market economics.
4. It has increased interdependence of countries
5. It has influenced the society with changes in values system, social system
.6. Knowledge is power and society is becoming knowledge based society.
7. The skills for survival are changing with focus on life long learning.
Once again in the understanding the effect of globalisation, it has been argued that
most of the concentration has been on the economic aspects and other elements
like social, political, cultural, environmental etc have not received adequate
emphasis .Further, some consider globalisation to be a threat to nation or society in
general and to the marginalized in particular. There are others who see globalisation
providing an opportunity to all. Looking at the positive side of globalisation it is clear
that globalization has led to technological transformation which has resulted in
international mobilization. Exchange of information, technologies, methods etc
have led to decline in diseases, facilitated communication, made home life more
comfortable. It has also made human rights violations an international issue
and has effected international solidarity. Globalisation is really about the
transformation of space and time. The technological development and spread due
to globalisation has been phenomenal.

LIBERALIZATION:

Most often, the term is used to refer to economic liberalization, especially trade liberalization
or capital market liberalization.

But he knows the two harmful consequences that will accrue even from this. First, that
consumption of foreign luxuries, consuming scarce foreign exchange, constitutes a drain on
the country, whereas consumption of domestically made luxuries generates at least some
domestic demand and employment. And secondly, that such imports lead to a piling-up of
foreign liabilities which drive down the value of the rupee.

The Government of India started the economic liberalization policy in 1991. Even though the
power at the center has changed hands, the pace of the reforms has never slackened till
date. Before 1991, changes within the industrial sector in the country were modest to say

the least. The sector accounted for just one-fifth of the total economic activity within the
country. The sectoral structure of the industry has changed, albeit gradually. Most of the
industrial sector was dominated by a select band of family-based conglomerates that had
been dominant historically. Post 1991, a major restructuring has taken place with the
emergence of more technologically advanced segments among industrial companies.
Nowadays, more small and medium scale enterprises contribute significantly to the
economy.

By the mid-90s, the private capital had surpassed the public capital. The management
system had shifted from the traditional family based system to a system of qualified and
professional managers. One of the most significant effects of the liberalization era has been
the emergence of a strong, affluent and buoyant middle class with significant purchasing
powers and this has been the engine that has driven the economy since. Another major
benefit of the liberalization era has been the shift in the pattern of exports from traditional
items like clothes, tea and spices to automobiles, steel, IT etc. The made in India brand,
which did not evoke any sort of loyalty has now become a brand name by itself and is now
known all over the world for its quality. Also, the reforms have transformed the education
sector with a huge talent pool of qualified professionals now available, waiting to conquer
the world with their domain knowledge.

India, after all these years of economic reforms, is at the crossroads. While one road leads
India to economic prosperity and glory, the other road leads it to social inequality. Presently,
as India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, the social aspects have been
ridden roughshod by the economic benefits. What has been conveniently forgotten or
suppressed till date have been the disparities, mainly the socio-economical issues. This has
led to growing discontent among the population and it has gathered momentum since the
reforms began 15 years ago. It will very soon reach a critical point wherein the very purpose
for which the reforms were started, will start to lose their significance rapidly and throw the
country back into the license raj and unionist era.

-Private sector has been allowed to produce all the goods except alcohol, cigarettes,
hazardous chemicals, industrial explosives, electronic aerospace and drugs and
pharmaceuticals.

-Private sector can also enter in to core industries like iron and steel, electricity, air
transport, shipbuilding, heavy machinery and some defence goods.

It has two components the First is to allow private sector to run those activities which were
restricted earlier only to public sector. The private sector has been freed from many

regulations such as (a) licensing (b) permission to import raw materials (c) regulation on
price and distribution and (d) restriction on investment by large business companies.
Secondly is to relaxation rules and regulation which has restricted growth of private sector.

1.
2.
3.
4.

It
It
It
It

mainly related to the economy.

mainly removal or less government control on economy.
means giving support to international trade and economy and international market.
becomes necessary due to globalization

IMPACT ON INDIAN SOCIETY

New Industries, business are set up.

International trade reaches every country
Generates more employment.
Indian goods/products are exposed to international competitions.
Goods and services of good quality and at competitive prices are available.
Government control over industries and economics is less.

PRIVATIZATION
To have the closer look on privatization lets see four types of government policies that can
bring about a shift in privatization are.
1. The close of public programs and disengagement of government from specific kinds of
responsibilities represent an implicit form of privatization. At a less drastic level, the
restriction of publicly produced services in volume, availability, or quality may lead to a
shift by consumers toward privately produced and purchased substitutes.
2. Privatization may take the explicit form of transfers of public assets to private ownership,
through sale or lease of public land, infrastructure, and enterprises.
3. Instead of directly producing some service, the government may finance private
services, for example, through contracting-out or vouchers.
4. Privatization may result from the deregulation of entry into activities previously treated
as public monopolies.

These policies gives us an ideas about how is differentiate public and private sector. And its
profitable outlook for the private sector. In general we may agree that its increased
competition in the market.
Many a time we confuse between privatization and liberalization. We have to be careful in
distinguished difference between privatization and liberalization. By liberalization one
generally means a reduction of government control; in this context, it refers to the opening
up of an industry to competitive pressures. Entry deregulation of public monopolies is a form
of privatization that is also liberalizing. However, it is entirely possible to privatize without
liberalizing. Thus in general,

This process follows globalization and liberalizations.

It encourages private control and private investment in industries and other sectors of
economics

INFLUENCES

It leads to increase in foreign investment

It leads to quality as only quality products can survive in international market.
The employee/workers must be equipped with skills for international market.
Service sectors like education and health also are treated like products.
Private investment in education and health increase as the government does not have
enough funds.

Thou liberalization, privatization and globalization are discussed as different meaning but
they are closely knit with each other. One sector effects the growth of other and vises a
versa. Its effect can be easily being observed in the education sector.

URBANIZATION
Urbanisation is the physical growth of rural or natural land into urban areas as a result of population im-migration to
an existing urban area. Effects include change in density and administration services. Urbanisation is also defined as
movement of people from rural to urban areas with population growth equating to urban migration.
Urbanization occurs naturally from individual and corporate efforts to reduce time and expense in commuting and
transportation while improving opportunities for jobs, education, housing, and transportation. Living in cities
permits individuals and families to take advantage of the opportunities of proximity, diversity, and marketplace
competition.
People move into cities to seek economic opportunities. In rural areas, often on small family farms, it is difficult to
improve one's standard of living beyond basic sustenance. Farm living is dependent on unpredictable environmental
conditions, and in times of drought, flood or pestilence, survival becomes extremely problematic.
Cities, in contrast, are known to be places where money, services and wealth are centralised. Cities are where
fortunes are made and where social mobility is possible. Businesses, which generate jobs and capital, are usually
located in urban areas.
There are better basic services as well as other specialist services that aren't found in rural areas. There are more job
opportunities and a greater variety of jobs. Health is another major factor. People, especially the elderly are often
forced to move to cities where there are doctors and hospitals that can cater for their health needs. Other factors
include a greater variety of entertainment (restaurants, movie theaters, theme parks, etc) and a better quality of
education, namely universities.
Over the last few years urbanization of rural areas has increased. As agriculture, more traditional local services, and
small-scale industry give way to modern industry the urban and related commerce with the city drawing on the
resources of an ever-widening area for its own sustenance and goods to be traded or processed into manufactures.
Urbanization is often viewed as a negative trend, but in fact, it occurs naturally from individual and corporate efforts
to reduce expense in commuting and transportation while improving opportunities for jobs, education, housing, and

transportation. Living in cities permits individuals and families to take advantage of the opportunities of proximity,
diversity, and marketplace competition.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

The urban heat island has become a growing concern. This effect causes the city to become 2 to 10o F (1 to 6o C)
warmer than surrounding landscapes. Impacts also include reducing soil moisture and intensification of carbon
dioxide emissions. Massive urbanization in Delhi, India resulted in tremendous strain on the city's infrastructure.
The planned Dwarka Sub City can be seen in foreground while the unplanned and congested residential areas of
West Delhi are visible in the background.
Rural migrants are attracted by the possibilities that cities can offer, but often settle in shanty towns and experience
extreme poverty. In the 1980s, this was attempted to be tackled with the urban bias theory which was promoted by
Michael Lipton who wrote: "...the most important class conflict in the poor countries of the world today is not
between labour and capital. Nor is it between foreign and national interests. It is between rural classes and urban
classes. The rural sector contains most of the poverty and most of the low-cost sources of potential advance; but the
urban sector contains most of the articulateness, organization and power. So the urban classes have been able to win
most of the rounds of the struggle with the countryside..." .
In brief what we understand by industrialization is
1. A process of social change which emphasizes the development or growth of towns, cities
and urban centers of various kinds and sizes.
2. These centers could be industrial cities, capitals, business cities, educational townships
GIDC, and MIDC area.
3. An important feature of this change is continuous migration from rural areas to such
townships.
ADVANTAGE OF URBANIZATION

Urbanization has many positive influences.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Rise in income and rise in standard of living.

Extension of educational institutions.
Extension of civic amenities like roads, hospitals, banks, post offices.
Integration of culture of different states and region.
Development of a urban culture.
Broadening of thinking, values of acceptance of people, removal of traditional and
conservative thoughts and values.
7. Heads to national integration.
8. Areas surrounding city got developed.
9. A competition in different facilities leads to improvement.
DISADVANTAGE OF URBANIZATION

Urbanization has many Negative influences

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Rise in crime.
Rise in drinking.
Rise in trade union activities strikes.
Exploitation of labour.
Negative influence of modern life.
Travel long distances for school.
Price rise.

8. Prostitution.
9. Neglect of rural sector.
10. Neglect of agriculture in rural sector.
11. Increase in slums, unhygienic dwelling.
12. Rise in pollution.
13. Problems of education health centers.
a. -for slum dwellers/ over crowded classrooms.

INDUSTRIALIZATION
Industrialization is the process of social and economic change whereby a human group is transformed from a preindustrial society into an industrial one. It is a part of a wider modernisation process, where social change and
economic development are closely related with technological innovation, particularly with the development of largescale energy and it metallurgy production. Industrialization also introduces a form of philosophical change, where
people obtain a different attitude towards their perception of nature.
According to the Jean Fourasti original sector classification of an economy consists of a "Primary sector" a
"secondary sector" and a "Tertiary Sector" of service industries.
a "Primary sector" of commodity production is related to farming, livestock breeding, exploitation of mineral
resources, a "secondary sector" is related to manufacturing and processing, and a "Tertiary Sector" is related to
service industries. The industrialization process is historically based on the expansion of the secondary sector in an
economy dominated by primary activities.
It is the process of building up or establishing industries and the accompanying social
institutions and complex, organizations of an industrial society.

This process usually leads to several social changes e.g. migration of rural population,
breaking of family unit, employment on the basis of technical skills and not caste, western
education.
ADVANTAGES OF INDUSTRIALIZATION

Importance of education was realized as jobs were given on the basis of education. Different
types of leisure activities were observed like movies, theater.

Sometimes leisure time was used immorally.

More schools, hospitals were opened.
It leads to economic development of the country.
It leads to employment to many people.
It leads to improvement in standard of living, purchasing, power of people increased.
It leads to better transport and communication.
It leads to urbanization.
The disadvantages of urbanization were also observed.

DISADVANTAGES OF INDUSTRIALIZATION

It also leads to various consequences like rise in crime, drinking, trade unionism, agitations.
Sometimes the rural and indigenous handloom industry was affected. It also leads to price
rise, extension of roads, and other civic amenities, educational institutions.
ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS

Industrialization has spawned its own health problems. Modern stressors include noise, air, water pollution, poor
nutrition, dangerous machinery, impersonal work, isolation, poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse.

MULTICULTURISM

In Multicultrism diversity of culture co-exists. In other words a society in which a diversity of

culture co-exists is called a multicultural society.

Multicultural education seems to be an important part to be discussed nowadays since we

are now living in a global a society. People coming from certain places and different cultures
can now easily interact with those who live in other places and cultures. This means that we
have to understand other's cultures to be a part of the global society. Multicultural education
enables our students to live and adjust with different cultures and understand other people.

Multicultural education means a reform movement that changes all components of the
educational enterprise, including its underlying values, procedural rules, curricula,
instructional materials, organizational structure, and governance policies to reflect cultural
pluralism. This means that the content of multicultural education programs should include
ethnic identities, cultural pluralism, unequal distribution of resources and opportunities, and
other sociopolitical problems stemming from long histories of oppression.

Multicultural education means different things to different people. It also means rich
diversity of a society. The rich diversity of today's society is clearly evident in many
classrooms today. It is no longer enough to educate some of our children. Schools and
learning environments must work for all and must reflect the cultures of the communities
they serve.

Multicultural education has as its purpose the development of citizens of a more democratic
society through provision of more accurate and comprehensive disciplinary knowledge and
through enhancement of students' academic achievement and critical thinking applied to
social problems. It seeks to promote the valuing diversity and equal opportunity for all

people through understanding of the contributions and perspectives of people of differing

race, ethnicity, culture, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and physical abilities
and disabilities.

Students of many religions, races, cultures and languages, ethnic backgrounds, and
economic situations fill today's schools. Gollnick and Chinn (1994) stated that a multicultural
society comprises class (structure, stratification and socioeconomic status), ethnicity and
race, gender, exceptionality, religion, language, and age. But this diversity should not be a
problem, especially when we consider that multicultural education is all about plurality. Many
educators believe that multicultural education can help students learn about other people
and about cultures different from students' own. A multicultural society is characterized by:1) Different traditions, beliefs religions, races, literature, arts, food habits, family
systems.
2) There is a tendency to consider ones own culture as the superior culture.
3) There is also a tendency to consider others culture as antagonistic to ones own
culture.
4) The cultural groups in a society can be easily observed as a distinct group.

INDIA IS A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY BECAUSE

India is a longest surviving continuum of cultures.

It has contribution from Dravid Aryan, Mughal, French, British culture.
Different traditions, beliefs, races, languages, literature, art, food habits, religious and
found in India.
The multicultural aspect is seen in different architecture, art forms, dresses etc.
All these together form a complex web of interactions in India.
In spite of diversity there is a basic unity.
The Indian culture has urban rural and tribal culture.
The Indian multicultural society shows continuity and a change.

Our Challenge
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

How do we promote a school system that caters to all cultural groups ?

How can we meet the needs of a student from diverse culture ?
Enhance partnerships with culturally-diverse communities and agencies.
Foster two-way cross-cultural understanding
Highlight the importance of diversity through public awareness and education.
Prepare individuals to live and work in multicultural society.
MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY AS A BARRIER:-

1
2
3

Major culture groups tend to dominate.

Minor culture groups sometimes remain under-developed (tribal culture , Jews)
These can be conflicts between different culture groups (Hindu, Muslim).

4
5
6
7

Sometimes common civil code is not possible to be established as the cultural group is
not willing to give up its tradition and belief.
Sometimes there can be confusion about a common national culture
Special provisions for minor culture groups create prejudices against them (Parsis,
Christians).
Sometimes politics is mixed with particular cultural groups which can create distrust and
lack of harmony is society

Minor culture group are likely to live in fear

Modernization or modernisation refers to a model of an evolutionary transition from a 'premodern' or 'traditional' to a 'modern' society.[citation needed] The teleology of modernization is
described in social evolutionism theories, existing as a template that has been generally followed
by societies that have achieved modernity.[1][2][citation needed]
Historians link modernization to the processes of urbanization and industrialisation, as well as to
the spread of education. As Kendall (2007) notes, "Urbanization accompanied modernization and
the rapid process of industrialization."[3] In sociological critical theory, modernization is linked to
an overarching process of rationalisation. When modernization increases within a society, the
individual becomes that much more important, eventually replacing the family or community as
the fundamental unit of society.[4][citation needed]
Modernization theory and history have been explicitly used as guides for countries eager to
develop rapidly, such as China. Indeed, modernization has been proposed as the most useful
framework for World history in China, because as one of the developing countries that started
late, "China's modernization has to be based on the experiences and lessons of other countries.".
[5]

Instead of being dominated by tradition, societies undergoing the process of modernization

typically arrive at governance dictated by abstract principles. Traditional religious beliefs and
cultural traits usually becomes less important as modernization takes hold.[4]
Development, like modernization, has become the orienting principle of our time.
Countries that are seen as modern are also seen as developed, and that means that
they are generally more respected by institutions such as the United Nations and
even as possible trade partners for other countries. The extent to which a country
has modernized or developed dictates its power and importance on the
international level.
These development bubbles occur when cities rise into the position of
industrialization, but the areas outside of the city do not develop and therefore a big
inequality of wealth distribution becomes apparent. Therefore many of the people

who once worked the agricultural areas in Africa, move to cities where they are
expecting to find jobs that will sustain them. [48]
Cultural capital : What is Cultural Capital?
The term cultural capital refers to non-financial social assets that promote social
mobility beyond economic means. Examples can include education, intellect, style
of speech, dress, or physical appearance. The term capital is usually associated with a

narrowly defined economic category of monetary exchange for profit. However, Bourdieu's
concept of cultural capital is an attempt to expand the category of capital to something more than
just the economic and to identify culture as a form of capital. Bourdieu includes social capital
alongside cultural capital and has also written more generally of symbolic capital and more
specifically of linguistic capital. However, what all Bourdieu's capitals share is that each
requires, and is the product of, an investment of an appropriate kind and each can secure a return
on that investment.
As with all the other capitals, Bourdieu's concern in relation to cultural capital was with its
continual transmission and accumulation in ways that perpetuate social inequalities. Bourdieu
sees the concept of cultural capital as breaking with the received wisdom that attributes academic
success or failure to natural aptitudes, such as intelligence and giftedness. Bourdieu explains
school success by the amount and type of cultural capital inherited from the family milieu rather
than by measures of individual talent or achievement. For him, ability is socially constructed and
is the result of individuals having access to large amounts of cultural capital. Ability is itself the
product of an investment of time and cultural capital. Cultural capital encompasses a broad array
of linguistic competencies, manners, preferences, and orientations, which Bourdieu (1977, p. 82)
terms "subtle modalities in the relationship to culture and language." Bourdieu identifies three
variants of cultural capital: first, in the embodied state incorporated in mind and body; second, in
the institutionalized state, that is, in institutionalized forms such as educational qualifications;
and third, in the objectified state, simply existing as cultural goods such as books, artifacts,
dictionaries, and paintings (Bourdieu, 1986).
Cultural capital is not the only capital accruing to individuals. It is primarily a relational concept
and exists in conjunction with other forms of capital. Therefore, it cannot be understood in
isolation from the other forms of capital that, alongside cultural capital, constitute advantage and
disadvantage in society. As well as cultural capital, these include economic, symbolic, and social
capital. Social capital is generated through social processes between the family and wider society
and is made up of social networks. Economic capital is wealth either inherited or generated from
interactions between the individual and the economy, while symbolic capital is manifested in
individual prestige and personal qualities, such as authority and charisma. In addition to their
interconnection, Bourdieu envisages a process in which one form of capital can be transformed
into another. For example, economic capital can be converted into cultural capital, while cultural
capital can be readily translated into social capital.

What is Sustainable Development?

Environmental, economic and social well-being for today and tomorrow

Sustainable development has been defined in many ways, but the most frequently quoted
definition is from Our Common Future, also known as the Brundtland Report:[1]
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two
key concepts:

the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which
overriding priority should be given; and

the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the
environment's ability to meet present and future needs."

All definitions of sustainable development require that we see the world as a systema system
that connects space; and a system that connects time.
When you think of the world as a system over space, you grow to understand that air pollution
from North America affects air quality in Asia, and that pesticides sprayed in Argentina could
harm fish stocks off the coast of Australia.
And when you think of the world as a system over time, you start to realize that the decisions our
grandparents made about how to farm the land continue to affect agricultural practice today; and
the economic policies we endorse today will have an impact on urban poverty when our children
are adults.
We also understand that quality of life is a system, too. It's good to be physically healthy, but
what if you are poor and don't have access to education? It's good to have a secure income, but
what if the air in your part of the world is unclean? And it's good to have freedom of religious
expression, but what if you can't feed your family?
The concept of sustainable development is rooted in this sort of systems thinking. It helps us
understand ourselves and our world. The problems we face are complex and seriousand we
can't address them in the same way we created them. But we can address them.

INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT the first task is the definition of inclusive development, in

particular distinguishing it from growth, pro-poor growth and inclusive growth, and differentiating
these from each other. This is taken up in the first section. Starting with growth, which has a
tight and well accepted definition as an increase in real per capita income, pro-poor growth is

identified as that which also reduces income poverty. Inclusive growth is that which is
accompanied by lower
income inequality, so that the increment of income accrues disproportionately to those with
lower incomes. With these definitions, growth can be pro-poor without being inclusive, since
(as happened in many countries over the past two decades), growth can be accompanied
by falling poverty but rising inequality. The concept of development differs from growth in
expanding the focus from income alone to other dimensions of well being, in particular
education and health. Inclusive development thus refers to the improvement of the
distribution of well being along these dimensions at the same time as the average
achievement improves. The MDGs identify a number of these dimensions, and provide a
good framework for measuring and identifying inclusive development

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that
were established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, following the
adoption of the United Nations Millennium Declaration. All 189 United Nations member states
and at least 23 international organizations committed to help achieve these goals by the year
2015. The goals are:
1. Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieving universal primary education
3. Promoting gender equality and empowering women
4. Reducing child mortality rates
5. Improving maternal health
6. Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. Ensuring environmental sustainability
8. Developing a global partnership for development[1]
Each goal has specific targets and dates for achieving those targets.

Challenges Facing the Youth in Todays Society

Most of the problems facing todays youth are not restricted to any one ethnic or
religious group, but affect young people generally. Most discussions on youth have
focussed on issues such as drug abuse, crime, violence, sexuality and poverty. In
addition to these, todays youth are afflicted by new challenges.
These include:
1. An Identity Crisis: Who am I?
2. Lack of self confidence and low self esteem: I am worthless
3. A sense of hopelessness: Where am I going?
4. Confusion and ambiguity concerning moral issues: What is right and
wrong?
5. The negative impact of the electronic media: Entertainment ?
6. Competitiveness in education: the uneven playing field: Excellence by
whom? Not Me.

The Ideal Youth

One may define the ideal youth as a balanced individual exhibiting a highly
spiritual life informed by absolute moral values and whose behaviour demonstrates
qualities such as righteousness, honesty, humility and conscientiousness in
everything he/she does. In this regard the Qur'an has reminded us more than once
that "A man receives but only that for which he strives; that his endeavors will be
judged, and only then will he receive his recompense in full." (Quran, 53:39-41)

Traditional Society

Historically, the older generation has managed to transmit their

beliefs, values, traditions, customs, worldviews and institutions to
the younger members of their societies. This was achieved largely
because of the impact of agencies of socialization, such as the
family, religion and the schools. Today the impact of these
institutions has been challenged and undermined by new forces,
particularly the internet and the television.
Dominant Culture
Is Gods help sought at all times or do we conveniently call on
God on special occasions as a mere formality?
In my view, we are witnessing an erosion of traditional systems
and institutions . As such the family and religion now have a
minimal impact on the average youngster. The values emphasized
today include individualism, Godlessness, materialism,
secularism and rationalism.
It is the youth who are encountering the most serious challenge
to his/her faith under the impact of godless culture of modernity.
Best minds in our society are not socialized by religious
institutions. The emphasis is on competitiveness, academic
success, career goals, income and social mobility
Little or no attention is given to preparing tomorrows leadership.
There is no emphasis is placed on critical thinking , problem
solving.
We are preparing followers, imitators conformists, and not
leaders, innovators or problem solvers.
The youth is being asked to give up certain family and social
values that were an integral part of their identity, and adopt in its
place a sense of self-alienation, and become a self-estranged
imitator of everything "modern".

We need to pay close attention to the effects of secularism:

confining the role of religion to the private domain of the
individual and creating a dichotomy between "religious" and
"worldly," between "private" and "public." It denies religion and its
mediating institutions any public function and influence in
shaping matters of public policy.

Technology: internet and TV

We are witnessing a phenomenal advancement in technology over the last three
decades, and our citizens are experiencing remarkable social and cultural change.
This drastic change has generated psychological and social dislocations among
many people. Moreover, technology has influenced the way we think about life in
general and interpersonal human relations in particular. Certainly, religion should
influence all aspects of our life. It regulates our relationship to God and fellow
human beings. When religion is made insignificant and is reduced to one among
many other forms of cultural expressions, then meaningful existence and
interpersonal relationships that are cultivated by its presence are threatened. In its
place personal greed and intensified forms of individuation breed self-centered and
"first me" individualism. If these tendencies are not kept in check by concern for
the well being of others, as taught by religion, it could lead to a self-serving, egocentered individual.
Television in particular has gone beyond its mandate to assist the family and the
school in providing visual aid and education to the young. It has taken upon itself
to appeal to the destructive and disintegrative instincts, to provoke greed, unlimited
self-gratification, and absence of moral restraint in its young audience.
Religious groups must create alternate avenues for recreation and social
interaction. There should be avenues where spiritual and social activities combine
to make the average child a whole human being whose life is directed to God.

Adults should ensure that he or she benefits and makes full use of the cultural
resources of his or her society. This is a delicate task, and much research and
brainstorming need to take place before we arrive at solutions.
Education System
There is need for re-structuring of the education system, so as to minimize
competition and rivalry and thereby reduce feelings of marginalisation and
exclusion among low achievers. Also, there is need for reform of the curriculum so
as to include universally desirable values that are necessary for producing well
rounded, balanced and useful citizens.
Our present educational system has trivialized religious devotion and relativized
moral commitment. Therefore, the youth of today does not have the moral
guidance to be able to pursue the right course when faced with a moral dilemma.
Family
The parents, consequently, have to assume an active role in the moral development
of their children. They need to become fully involved at every stage in the child's
mental growth until he/she attains maturity. This involvement includes learning to
communicate with the younger generation through their books and reading
materials. Also, there is need for constructive entertainment and personal
involvement in the selection of the types of entertainment (whether at home or
outside). This is very critical and almost inevitable since there is enormous
pressure on the children from outside their home to participate in undesirable
activities.

In closing, let us recognize that we have a serious challenge on our hands: to

ensure that todays children (tomorrows adults) would experience a better world
than we are living in today. We should all work towards this objective and not wait
for a crisis to occur and then react, let us be prepared.

IMPACT OF ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES ON

SOCIETY
Paper submitted under topic "Ethical and Moral Implications of New Technologies Including
Genetic Engineering"

M.G.K. Menon
Professor, President, International Council of Scientific Research, New Delhi, India

The advancement of science and technology is surely one of the greatest organised creative
activities of humankind today. The material world that we see around us, and the way
society functions today are direct manifestations of these advances.
The origin of science lies in the evolution of the human brain, and the intrinsic sense of
curiosity in human beings to explore, to know, and to understand nature and the world
around. Historically, the origins of science go back to the beginning of civilised existence.
From its earliest days, science has been embedded in society, there has been a continuous
learning process in society as a whole, based on day to day experiences and this can
become the body of the knowledge from which applications and understanding have grown.
Sir Francis Bacon wrote: "Human knowledge and human power are coextensive, for
ignorance of causes prevents us from producing effects. Nature can only be ruled by being
obeyed; for the causes which theory discovers give the rules which practice applies".
Bacons words bring out the purpose of scientific activity. It is to discover the laws of nature
so as to widen humankinds perspective and understanding of the world we live in, to
increase the basis of our material existence, and to help us fight the physical and biological
calamities that beset us in our progress through life.
With the advancement of knowledge there was a corresponding increase in the powers
available to humanity. These powers can clearly be used for good of for evil. The decision as
to how these powers are used, have to be based on ethical and moral values and principle.
These lie outside the domain of science.
For a long time through history scientific advancements were related largely to felt needs.
There were of course, some visible scientific accomplishments not related to felt needs;
these were motivated by a desire to know and understand nature. Sometimes, this led to
conflicts with the Establishments constituted by those who wielded religious or State power.
These are exemplified by the prosecution of Galileo, the conflicts that arose relating to the
acceptance of the helio-centric theory of Copernicus and disagreements that still continue
concerning the Darwinian theory of evolution. Often these conflicts involved individual
scientists, and related to conceptual developments.
There is one aspect of science which has always been of great concern to individual

scientists, and more recently to the scientific community as a whole; this relates to the
connection between science and weapons of destruction. The interest of scientists and
inventors of machines of war, and in fact as consultants for the military, is not something
new. It has had a long and honourable history. For example, Leonardo da Vinci, who is
generally known for his genius in the creative arts, was also a great scientist. In his letter to
the Duke of Milan, to whom he offered his services, he dwelt extensively on his skills in the
art of invention of the apparatus of war, indeed it is only at the end of his letter that he
mentioned the skills he possessed as an architect, sculptor and painter which might be of
use in time of peace. Leonardo recognised that there could be circumstances that might
make it necessary to become involved in military work. He said: "besieged by ambitious
tyrants, I find a means of offence and defence, in order to preserve the chief gift of nature,
which is liberty". But equally, he was also aware that inventions could be used in ways
neither as originally conceived, nor to the liking of their originator. In commenting on his
ideas for a submarine, he said: "Now by an appliance many are able to remain for some
time under water for a long time and this I do not publish or divulge, on account of the
evil nature of men, who would practice assassinations at the bottom of the seas by breaking
the ships in their lowest parts and sinking them together with the crews who are in them".
He was thus opposed to the indiscriminate development of weapons of horror to be used
purely for conquest and exploitation.
Leonardos concerns are applicable significantly to the situation today faced not only by
individual scientists but by the scientific community as a whole. There is often the felt need
to develop weapons of war to keep the peace; but with it the fears of their misuse.
We must remember that many weapons systems today are based on step function
development in technology. These are not initially conceived by the politicians or the
military. They result from research efforts of scientists and technologists. Once it is known
that the feasibility exists, political, military and industrial decision-makers proceed further. It
is difficult to blame an individual scientist, who acting purely as a professional, functions in
an establishment which happens to be concerned with defence rather than a civilian
enterprise. Professionally, the jobs would not be significantly different as far as the
individual scientist is concerned. It is at the higher levels of designing and system
integration, that the real differences lie. Thus there is a great commonality between space
launcher systems and defence missile systems but also difference.
It is clear from what has been said that whereas science and technology have provided
enormous capabilities to create horrendous instruments of the arms race, the ultimate
responsibility for the overall situation lies with society as a whole. These issues came to the
fore in a major way with the Manhattan Project on the development of the atom bomb and
its subsequent use over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This led to the awakening of the social
conscience of science in a collective manner. The prophetic statements in the Franck-Report
of June 1945 and the Russel-Einstein-Manifesto of 1954 exemplifies this social conscience.
As scientific advances take place at an increasingly rapid pace, there are many who feel that
a large number of the ills that affect human society are due to these developments. They
point out to the possibilities of nuclear war which could wipe out very large parts of
humanity; of human expectations that have been aroused leading to large scale
consequences; depletion, environmental degradation, climate change, ozone layer changes;
consumerism with wide ranging consequences such as resources and possible unknown
risks as we move into new areas of biology where humanity now has extraordinary powers

but cannot necessarily predict and understand the consequences, or make risk assessments.
It is important that these issues are discussed in society. But it must be remembered that
what is called for is not putting limits on scientific enquiry, but taking steps to ensure that
the applications are such as to benefit human society as a whole. Such a perspective has to
be taken by society on the basis of common, shared moral and ethical value systems. That
is the need of the hour; not indeterminate philosophical analysis but proactive promotion of
common shared ideal.
As we move into the immediate future, quite clearly, Nuclear Science, Environment,
Information Technology and Biotechnology are the areas where humanity is faced with
fundamental moral and ethical questions.
In the area of nuclear science one has deep concerns about the development and stockpiling
of nuclear weapon system with all their implications for large scale The environment is an
area which has sprung into prominence over the last quarter of a century. From the obvious
tangible problems of a local nature, one has seen the evolution of problems of a regional
nature, and then of a global nature. Ozone depletion, increase in atmospheric concentration
of green house gases with possibilities of climate change and consequent hazards,
destruction of bio-diversity are all examples of enormous global problems that are looming
before us. The origin of these problems are anthropogenic. They relate to the increase of
population to its present very large dimensions, and still rising, posing questions concerning
the carrying capacity of the globe; and the rising tide of expectations and consumerism,
particularly energy related. Whilst advances in science and technology certainly have
enabled humanity to get much more from much less, it must be accepted that these very
advances have been the precursors to the problems being encountered. The potential for
conflict on environmental issues is enormous. This is an area where one has to re-evaluate
priorities for humankind; this in turn implies a choice of values.
Environmental ethics demands many fundamental values: equity within this generation as
also inter-generational equity; harmony with nature and an understanding that humanity
cannot be regarded as something separate from the rest of the earth system. Indeed
advances in modern biology show us that human beings share the same functional
characteristics with animals, plants and all living systems, based on the fundamental
element, DNA.
Issues facing us in the areas of environment are not philosophical, theological or religious as
normally understood. They relate to values that are applicable to situations in real life: that
everything on earth has to function in harmony as a system, and it is only in such a system
that humanity can flourish. Whilst these values and concepts lie outside the domain of
science and technology, once they are accepted, then the great capabilities available
through science and technology can be directed to the fulfilment of life, based of these
values.
In the area of information technology, one is moving to the possibility of connecting every
human being on earth with every other. From times not so long ago when human beings
developed as individuals, families, small tribes and communities, they have now rapidly
moved to a global connectivity. The consequences of this on the individual human psyche
are not yet understood. In material ways, it would certainly be highly productive. In terms
of thought processes, and especially those that relate to the inner core of the human being,

there could be enormous advantages through this connection; bringing about a feeling of
the true oneness of the human race. However, nature has not progressed along the
pathways of evolution on the basis of such connectivity; and we will have to ask ourselves
whether the natural system that we have inherited can adopt itself to such a step-function
change. The development of modern biology represents not only revolutionary scientific
advances but also applications with wide-spread societal implications. It holds great promise
in diverse fields such as food production, health, energy and industry. But there are also
concerns and fears.
Today food production globally is adequate for the present population of around 6 billion..
However, in 20 years, there will be two billion more people to feed. There is no more
significant arable land available. Biotechnology holds the promise of higher yields and
disease free crops. In crop protection, genetic engineering would enable transfer, across
crops, of genes that provide protection; this is not possible in classical crop breeding:
In the area of health, two of the great promises are immuno-diagnosis and immunoprophylaxis. The first would enable detection of many diseases very early, making treatment
specific and less expensive. The eradication of smallpox, reduction in polio, and protection
against many childhood diseases are examples of the power of immuno-prophylaxis.
However, there is so much more that can be done
In agriculture, improvements have been effected so far on a gradual basis. For example, in
animal husbandry, one has gone from selection and crossing, to artificial insemination, and
embryo transplant technologies None of these have given rise to fears. But genetic
engineering arouses fears because one moves across species boundaries. Multiplications and
mutations can develop and progress rapidly in biological systems. Risk assessment is much
more difficult and uncertain, compared to physical engineering systems. In biology, one also
deals with systems interactions, such as in ecology, that are complex. It is, therefore,
important to continuously monitor what is happening in the field, using the very same
powerful techniques of biotechnology.
Applications of advances in genetic engineering and cell biology arouse fears relating to
eugenics and human cloning. While few would have objections to preventing children being
born who will gave Huntingtons disease, there are fears of "designer babies", whose will be
the prejudices that prevail? It is important to recognise, that there is no place for
complacency.
UNESCO took a major initiative in preparing and adopting, in 1997, the Universal
Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights. The Human Genome Project has a
special allocation to look into the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI). As we move
into the future, there will be increasing stress on these aspects. If we constantly keep in
mind the moral and ethical aspects that relate to human rights and human dignity, while
working out the wide range of applications, we would be able to look upon biotechnology
with serenity, as a revolution to be harnessed in the service of humanity.
Much more needs to be gone into in regard to bio-ethics. The extraordinarily good initiative
of UNESCO in this area needs to be pursued, on a more wide ranging basis. In the case of
developing countries many issues arise. What is consent in the case of genetic testing and
screening? What is informed? Consent? How informed is an illiterate woman whose blood
will be used to look for rare genes? Whose property are those genes? What will they be used

for? Will they serve medical purposes? What about Community knowledge?
What is important is to ensure that patenting in this field does not lead to a monopolistic,
exploitative domination of the world. On these issues, there is need for wider, informed
debate, not only involving governments, commercial interests and scientists, but also
involving philosophers, lawyers, civil society at large, both in developed and developing
countries.

In Conclusion
Science and Technology will continue to advance rapidly as we move into the next
millennium. What is important is to ensure that these advances benefit humanity as a
whole. Parochial considerations of narrow commercial interests, nationalism, fundamentalist
religious aspects and inflexible ideological divides have to give way to the basic ethics of
human dignity and human rights, and harmony with nature: value systems that are outside
the realm of science but have to guide its applications.
Even in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, there are great concerns about nuclear
accidents, damage from nuclear radiation and the question of safe disposal of radioactive
wastes.