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Social Development Indicators

April 7, 1995

Q: If purchasing capacity is the best indicator of economic progress, what should we use as the indicators of social development?

There are three primary indicators for social development. They are: First of all, the overall educational level of the individuals within the society. If many people are exposed to the opportunity for educational development and independent thinking, this is an indicator of social stability and progressive movement.

Secondly, if there is adequate supply of material resources equitably distributed to all. That is to say, if a compassionate social program is manifest in the society, giving basic necessities for food, clothing and medical care to all people regardless of their status, then this type of social program indicates a concern for the overall benefit of society and not an overly selfish social structure. So you see, both educational opportunity and socialization are indicators of a progressive social atmosphere.

There is a third indicator which is essential if a society is to be judged as having progressive social movements. That is, awareness of the interrelatedness of all human beings as manifested by a universal ideology. That is to say, a form of neohumanism. This type of philosophy will be universally accepted as the status quo in a progressively developed social structure. Now, this compassionate philosophy, this neohumanistic approach, will necessitate many developments within the society. It will bring social reform, economic and political freedom for all people, the kind treatment of animals, the equitable distribution of available resources and the opportunity for psycho-spiritual development. All of these will be promoted in a society in which neohumanist philosophy is widely accepted.

So what are the three indicators of social development? First is widespread educational growth, second is a compassionate approach, and third the adoption of neohumanist philosophy. If these factors are present in a given society, you can rest assured progressive movement has and will occur.