Towards the creative society: 21st century social dynamics

Abstract

The prospects for prosperity and well‐being in the 21st century will depend on leveraging social diversity to encourage technological, economic and social dynamism. A striking confluence of forces over the next twenty years could drive a twofold convergence: first, towards more highly differentiated and complex societies, and second, towards the adoption of a common set of general policy goals that are conducive to both diversity and social sustainability. In the opening decades of the 21st century four simultaneous and powerful societal transformations will give rise to more variety and interdependence: from the uniformity and obedience of the mass‐era to the uniqueness and creativity of a knowledge economy and society; from rigid and isolated command planning to flexible, open and rule‐based markets; from predominantly agricultural structures to industrial urbanization; and lastly, from a relatively fragmented world of autonomous societies and regions to the dense and indispensable interdependencies of an integrated planet. In different ways and in different parts of the world, greater social complexity will in all likelihood accompany these wrenching shifts. Rather than fear this increase in social diversity we should welcome the opportunities for learning and sharing that could bring prosperity and well‐being. Nevertheless, there are risks of heightened conflict due to the possible polarization that frequently accompanies the passing of old social orders and the emergence of new ones. Policy choices will be the determining factor in minimizing this friction and encouraging the potential synergies.

Social Sustainability and Its Indicators through a Disability Studies and an Ability Studies Lens

“…Conflicts are mentioned in numerous abstracts [68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87] ranging from -whether the discourse of corporate social responsibility will improve understanding among stakeholders and lead to mutually acceptable resolutions to conflict‖ [68] to -educational simulation tool for negotiating sustainable natural resource management strategies among stakeholders with conflicting interests‖ [69]. We submit that many possible conflicts are not mentioned in the documents.…”

Association Between Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice About Dietary Fibre Intake and Type 2 Diabetes Among Rural People in Terengganu, Malaysia

“…Unemployment has been recognized as an economic issue with significant health repercussion. 22 Being employed brings sense of identity, purpose, access to community, experience and opportunity to grow in personal and professional capacity. 23 The consequent benefits on mental health influence quality of life with direct consequences to the lifestyle-related chronic health diseases.…”