Social Studies : How to Decide on What Is Good for Society

Differing needs and interests

Different groups of people have different areas of interests. Managing differing needs and interests require complex decision-making.

4 Principles of Governance

Having good leadership, anticipating change and staying relevant, providing a stake for everyone and practising meritocracy.

Differing needs and interests (3)

In a society, with a larger population, agreeing to what is good for society can be more difficult.

Not In My Back Yard

NIMBY refers to a situation where residents exhibit strong negative reactions to facilities which they find undesirable.

Differing priorities

People have differing priorities due to what they feel is important and fulfilling for their life and during different stages of their life. A person's financial situation may affect how one prioritises.

Cases of NIMBY and the reactions

Sengkang columbarium in 2004, building of a nursing home in Bishan in 2012. Some individuals or groups may bear greater costs of development than others. More noise is generated too.

Trade-offs

They involve an exchange in which an individual has to decide between 2 or more things that cannot be obtained at the same time

Differing needs and interests (2)

To manage conflicting demands, a decision may be made based on criteria. Majority of the population, cost effectiveness, long term and short term needs and consideration.