Chpt 2- Challenges In Deciding What Is Good For The Society

Question 1

Explain how differing needs and interests are challenges in deciding what is good for Singapore as a society

Answer 1

Because
- differing needs and interests, people may disagree on what is more important to them

• affects the extent of what they may be willing to give up for society
• society can agree that basic needs like food, clothing, shelter and personal security are necessary for a person
• beyond this, diverse population like Singapore might not agree on common interests and what is more important for a happy and fulfilling life

Example
- those with no personal transport(car), efficient public transport system is important priority

• those who have their own mode of transport, efficient road network is a priority
• both of which allows the person to reach their destination more quickly and efficiently
• given the limited resources, meeting everyone’s needs and interests are impossible
• as such, practical and pragmatic approach must be made to allocate resources appropriately
• tensions between diff. groups of people with differing needs and interests will be a challenge

Question 2

Explain how differing priorities are challenges in deciding what is good for Singapore as a society

Answer 2

Because
- differing priorities leads to disagreement on what is more important to them

• affects the extent of what they may be willing to give up for society
• citizens may agree that it is important for country to provide affordable healthcare, good education system and a clean environment
• however, people may disagree which area the government should prioritise

Example
-> parents with school-going children would want more resources to be invested in education

• > on the other hand, the elderly would want more resources to keep healthcare affordable to meet their medical needs
• > given limited resources, meeting everyone’s needs and interests are impossible
• > as such, a practical and pragmatic approach must be made to allocate resources appropriately
• > tensions between differing groups of people with differing needs and interests will pose a challenge in the process

Question 3

Explain how unequal sharing of costs is a challenge in deciding what is good for Singapore as a society

Answer 3

Because
- resources are limited

• when a decision is made, some individuals or groups in society would bear greater costs than others
• often, residents living near public facilities(expressway) believe that these developments are needed
• however, they feel that the facilities should be built further away from their homes so they don’t have to bear with the inconveniences associated with them

Example
-> Not In My Backyard(NIMBY) syndrome among Singaporeans

• > policy-makers decision to build eldercare facilities in Toh Yi estate were met with disagreements and unhappiness creating tensions
• > as some residents were concerned about the impact of the construction, affecting their value of their homes and lifestyles