Short note: Society and development

Society and development are closely linked. Development is the process of improving the economic, social, cultural and political condition of people. It takes place in society and its aim is the welfare of society.

• Society provides human resources, culture, institutions and demand; development without social participation is not sustainable.
• Development brings infrastructure (roads, water, energy, communication), education, health and income, which change society and raise living standard.
• Social factors such as education, culture, gender equality, stability and good governance speed up or hinder development.
• Poor or unplanned development can harm society through displacement, inequality and environmental damage.
• Engineers play the key role by planning and building facilities, so sustainable and inclusive development should be their goal.

Therefore society is both the source and the beneficiary of development.