DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND DIFFERENT GOALS

DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND DIFFERENT GOALS

Let us try to imagine what development or progress is likely to mean to different persons listed in Table 1.1. What are their aspirations? You will find that some columns are partially filled. Try to complete the table. You can also add any other category of persons.

Table 1.1: Developmental goals of different categories of persons

Having filled Table 1.1, let us now examine it. Do all of these persons have the same notion of development or progress? Most likely not. Each one of them seeks different things.

They seek things that are most important for them, i.e., that which can fulfil their aspirations or desires. In fact, at times, two persons or groups of persons may seek things which are conflicting. A girl expects as much freedom and opportunity as her brother, and that he also shares in the household work. Her brother may not like this. Similarly, to get more electricity, industrialists may want more dams. But this may submerge the land and disrupt the lives of people who are displaced – such as tribals. They might resent this and may prefer small check dams or tanks to irrigate their land.

So, two things are quite clear:

1. different persons can have different developmental goals and

2. what may be development for one may not be development for the other. It may even be destructive for the other.

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK

INCOME AND OTHER GOALS

INCOME AND OTHER GOALS

Table 1.1: Developmental goals of different categories of persons

If you go over Table 1.1 again, you will notice one common thing: what people desire are regular work, better wages, and decent price for their crops or other products that they produce. In other words, they want more income.

Besides seeking more income, one- way or the other, people also seek things like equal treatment, freedom, security, and respect of others. They resent discrimination. All these are important goals. In fact, in some cases, these may be more important than more income or more consumption because material goods are not all that you need to live.

Money, or material things that one can buy with it, is one factor on which our life depends. But the quality of our life also depends on the non-material things mentioned above. If it is not obvious to you, then just think of the role of your friends in your life. You may desire their friendship. Similarly, there are many things that are not easily measured but they mean a lot to our lives. These are often ignored.

Figure: A demonstration meeting against raising the height of Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada River

However, it will be wrong to conclude that what cannot be measured is not important.

Consider another example. If you get a job in a far-off place, before accepting it you would try to consider many factors, apart from income, such as facilities for your family, working atmosphere, or opportunity to learn. In another case, a job may give you less pay but may offer regular employment that enhances your sense of security. Another job, however, may offer high pay but no job security and also leave no time for your family. This will reduce your sense of security and freedom.

Similarly, for development, people look at a mix of goals. It is true that if women are engaged in paid work, their dignity in the household and society increases. However, it is also the case that if there is respect for women there would be more sharing of housework and a greater acceptance of women working outside. A safe and secure environment may allow more women to take up a variety of jobs or run a business.

Hence, the developmental goals that people have are not only about better income but also about other important things in life.

Let’s work these out

1.  Why do different persons have different notions of development? Which of the following explanations is more important and why?

       (a)  Because people are different.

       (b)  Because life situations of persons are different.

2.  Do the following two statements mean the same? Justify your answer.

      (a)  People have different developmental goals.

      (b)  People have conflicting developmental goals.

3.  Give some examples where factors other than income are important aspects of our lives.

4.  Explain some of the important ideas of the above section in your own words.

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

If, as we have seen above, individuals seek different goals, then their notion of national development is also likely to be different. Discuss among yourselves on what India should do for development.

Most likely, you would find that different students in the class have given different answers to the above question. In fact, you might yourself think of many different answers and not be too sure of any of these. It is very important to keep in mind that different persons could have different as well as conflicting notions of a country’s development.

However, can all the ideas be considered equally important? Or, if there are conflicts how does one decide? What would be a fair and just path for all? We also have to think whether there is a better way of doing things. Would the idea benefit a large number of people or only a small group? National development means thinking about these questions.

Activity:

If even the idea of what constitutes development can be varied and conflicting, then certainly there can be differences about ways of developing. If you know of any such controversy, try to find out arguments advanced by different people. You may do so by talking to different persons or you may find it from newspapers and television.

Let’s work these out

1.  Look at the picture on the right. What should be the developmental goals for such an area?   

2.  Read this newspaper report and answer the questions that follow:

       (a)  Who are the people who benefited and who did not?

       (b)  What should be the developmental goal for this country?

3.  What can be some of the developmental goals for your village, town, or locality?

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK