Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Development, in its broadest sense, encompasses economic growth, social progress, and improved quality of life. However, when this development is ‘inequitable’ – meaning its benefits are not distributed fairly across society – it can become a potent source of social unrest. Inequitable development manifests as disparities in income, access to resources (education, healthcare, land), and opportunities based on factors like caste, class, gender, and region. The recent rise in social movements globally, often rooted in economic grievances, underscores the assertion that unequal development frequently precipitates conflict rather than fostering genuine progress. This essay will explore this relationship, demonstrating how inequitable development undermines social cohesion and hinders holistic societal advancement.
Causes of Social Conflicts due to Inequitable Development
Inequitable development creates a breeding ground for social conflicts through several mechanisms:
- Relative Deprivation: When individuals or groups perceive themselves as being unfairly disadvantaged compared to others, it leads to frustration, resentment, and potentially, violent protest. This is a core tenet of relative deprivation theory.
- Resource Scarcity & Competition: Unequal access to essential resources like land, water, and employment opportunities intensifies competition and can trigger conflicts, particularly in resource-constrained environments.
- Marginalization & Exclusion: Systematic exclusion of certain groups from the benefits of development – based on caste, ethnicity, religion, or gender – fosters a sense of alienation and fuels social unrest.
- Erosion of Social Trust: Perceptions of unfairness and corruption erode trust in institutions and governance, leading to a breakdown of social order.
Impact on Social Progress
Inequitable development actively hinders genuine social progress in multiple ways:
- Reduced Human Capital: Lack of access to quality education and healthcare for marginalized groups limits their potential and reduces the overall human capital of the nation.
- Lower Economic Productivity: Inequality stifles economic growth by limiting the participation of a significant portion of the population in productive activities. A 2017 Oxfam report highlighted that the richest 1% own more than twice as much wealth as 6.9 billion people.
- Political Instability: Social conflicts arising from inequitable development divert resources away from productive investments and create an unstable political environment, discouraging long-term planning and investment.
- Weakened Social Cohesion: Deep-seated inequalities erode social solidarity and create divisions within society, making it difficult to address common challenges.
Examples & Case Studies
Numerous examples illustrate this dynamic:
- Naxalite-Maoist Insurgency in India: Rooted in land inequality, socio-economic marginalization of tribal communities, and lack of access to basic services in several states.
- Arab Spring (2010-2012): Fueled by widespread economic grievances, unemployment, and political repression, demonstrating how inequitable development can trigger large-scale uprisings.
- Farmers’ Protests in India (2020-2021): Stemmed from concerns over agricultural policies perceived as favoring large corporations and disadvantaging small and marginal farmers.
| Conflict | Root Cause (Inequitable Development Aspect) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Naxalite Insurgency (India) | Land inequality, tribal marginalization | Ongoing conflict, hindered development in affected regions |
| Arab Spring | Economic grievances, political repression | Regime changes, political instability |
| Farmers’ Protests (India) | Perceived bias in agricultural policies | Policy changes, increased awareness of farmers’ issues |
Furthermore, the Human Development Index (HDI) demonstrates that countries with lower HDI scores, often characterized by significant inequalities, tend to experience higher levels of social unrest and political instability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while development is essential for societal advancement, its inequitable distribution often acts as a catalyst for social conflicts, undermining the very progress it seeks to achieve. Genuine social progress requires a commitment to inclusive development that prioritizes equity, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized groups. Addressing systemic inequalities through policies focused on education, healthcare, land reform, and economic opportunities is not merely a moral imperative but a pragmatic necessity for building a stable, prosperous, and harmonious society. A holistic approach that integrates economic growth with social inclusion is crucial for transforming development into a force for lasting peace and progress.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.