Have we seen progress in the last decades?

by | Aug 26, 2016 | Forum | 2 comments

Opening Statement

  1. IPSP
    IPSP on August 26, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    Chapter 1 presents a mixed picture about social progress in the last decades, with a mix of positive and negative trends.

    What do you think have been the most important elements of social progress in the last decades, and the most important negative trends? Do you agree with the pessimists who believe that the young generation faces a tougher future than their parents or grand-parents?

    It would be very interesting to hear your experiences, your personal perceptions about positive and negative tendencies happening around you in society.

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  1. Controversial
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    Finn Woelm on November 13, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    I am only 23, so my perspective is limited. But one of the aspects of social progress that stands out to me is a shift in thinking from “me, my community, and my country” to “us, our communities, our planet”. In other words, a shift from a country-centric to a humanity-centric worldview.

    Admittedly, it’s a shift-in-progress and it’s still far from universal (as recent political events highlight). But it is happening more and more thanks to the Internet, faster and more affordable travel, and growing diversity all around the world.

    Now, one may or may not see this shift in itself as social progress. The mindset alone does not impact social justice issues, such as poverty, equality, etc. But the actions that result from this shift in mindset are directly progressing society: Demands for more peace, for zero poverty, for equality of all ethnicity and of all gender, for fewer borders and more opportunities, for fewer environmental exploitation and more sustainability.

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    Mark Tegge on August 14, 2019 at 9:41 am

    I believe that there hasn‘t been positive progress in our society in the last decades. A lot of you will probably argue that we have sorted out so many discrimination issues for example but what counts for me is people’s overall well-being. With the changing of society depression and anxiety have reached an all time high. I am confident this is due to us deviating more and more from what we were biologically designed for several thousand years ago. Does anybody share this viewpoint?

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