2 types of needs:
- Thing that people depend on for survival
- Things that people depend on for their well being
People ⇒ often share similar basic needs for survival → but they generally have different needs when it comes to their well being → people also have their interests in addition to their needs.
What are Basic Needs People in society ⇒ often agree on their basic needs for survival, such as need for water, food and shelter.
Needs for Well Being → generally vary among individuals Eg: An individual may see job as a need ⇒ as job provides him or her with an income for greater well being → another individual who has more wealth may not see having a job as a need
What are Interests → refer to things that are directly or indirectly related to fulfilment of needs. Everyone who sees having a job as a need ⇒ could have an interest in owning a form of private transport for daily commute.
Situations when ones interests can be another persons need. ⇒ excersise can be an interest of healthy senior citizen, whereas it is a need for senior citizen who has been instructed by doctor to exercise daily.
For govt ⇒ to carry out its roles and functions effectively ⇒ govt has to identify needs and interests of society as a whole ⇒ and not just those of individuals. → govt has to look after all citizens not just some
hard to decide what is good for society when society is diverse
- would be even less agreement on what is considered good for society, because needs and interests of people can vary to a greater degree
SocialStudiesExamples 2008 orchard road carpark controversy
- plan was to create more recreational areas for public to enjoy by converting portion of Orchard roads open air carpark into a green public space
- however business owners were concerned that it would lead to lesser customers ⇒ especially people who drove there.
- Govt and public people ⇒ argued that it would enhance shopping experience, promoting foot traffic and create a more vibrant atmosphere. prioritized long term sustainability and attractiveness of the orchard area