10.2.1

Targets & Attitudes

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Defining Development Targets for Governments and IGOs

Governments and International Government Organisations (IGOs) play a significant role in defining development targets and policies.

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Defining targets

  • In most countries, economic development provides the means (capital and human resources) that drive and sustain human development.
  • The link between these two types of development is critical and is in the hands of governments.
  • Governments determine how much of a country’s wealth should be spent on providing education, health and other social services.
  • This depends very much on governmental attitudes towards social progress.
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Government attitudes

  • Governments can be classified along a continuum from left wing (socialist) to right wing (capitalist).
  • They can also be classified along a continuum from democratic (hold regular elections) to authoritarian and totalitarian (with small powerful elites).
Illustrative background for Attitudes to social progressIllustrative background for Attitudes to social progress ?? "content

Attitudes to social progress

  • In general, countries that are more to the ‘left’ and more democratic tend to invest more in social progress factors e.g. education and health.
  • On the other hand, countries that are more to the ‘right’ and more authoritarian tend to invest less in social progress factors.
  • Two extreme examples are:
    • Socialist Cuba, where social development is a high priority.
    • Saudi Arabia, with very low levels of per capita spending on public services.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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