Social Evil
A social evil is any action or consequence that is not in the public interest or which is anti-social and works against the development of society. Social evils cause damage to the society or its citizens in physical, emotional or cultural form. Terrorism would be an example of a social evil as would be prostitution , organized crime, alcoholism, pollution, dowry in any form or corruption.
Following is a list of 10 social evils:
1. A decline of community
A major theme that emerged from the consultation was a decline of community and weakened local neighbourhoods. Participants felt that neighbours no longer know or look out for one another, which left people feeling isolated, lonely and fearful – particularly the elderly and those who live alone. People also spoke of a decline of community in a more abstract sense, in terms of a lack of public spiritedness or social responsibility. Older people spoke about how different things used to be:
While it was recognised that new kinds of communities were emerging (such as virtual or online communities) people felt these were an inadequate substitute for the face-to-face interactions of more traditional local communities. 2. Individualism and selfishness
There was a strong sense that this decline of community has corresponded to a rise in individualism. Participants suggested that people increasingly look after their own individual or family interests without considering the needs of society or the community.
This individualism was seen to have damaging consequences, fuelling selfishness and greed and leading to isolation and fear as people struggle to cope and live fulfilling lives alone.
3. Consumerism and greed
A common theme was that values and aspirations rooted in communities and relationships have been eclipsed by an excessive desire for consumer goods. Greed emerged as a key issue, seemingly a symptom of society valuing things in terms of money or material worth. People argued that the concept of need or of
Following is a list of 10 social evils:
1. A decline of community
A major theme that emerged from the consultation was a decline of community and weakened local neighbourhoods. Participants felt that neighbours no longer know or look out for one another, which left people feeling isolated, lonely and fearful – particularly the elderly and those who live alone. People also spoke of a decline of community in a more abstract sense, in terms of a lack of public spiritedness or social responsibility. Older people spoke about how different things used to be:
While it was recognised that new kinds of communities were emerging (such as virtual or online communities) people felt these were an inadequate substitute for the face-to-face interactions of more traditional local communities. 2. Individualism and selfishness
There was a strong sense that this decline of community has corresponded to a rise in individualism. Participants suggested that people increasingly look after their own individual or family interests without considering the needs of society or the community.
This individualism was seen to have damaging consequences, fuelling selfishness and greed and leading to isolation and fear as people struggle to cope and live fulfilling lives alone.
3. Consumerism and greed
A common theme was that values and aspirations rooted in communities and relationships have been eclipsed by an excessive desire for consumer goods. Greed emerged as a key issue, seemingly a symptom of society valuing things in terms of money or material worth. People argued that the concept of need or of