How do we decide what is good for society?

G2 Social Studies - syllabus K230 (Social Studies component), 2027

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Compare needs, priorities and costs through everyday decisions. Apply the four principles of governance and judge what the evidence shows.

• Different needs and interests

  People can need the same public service for different reasons, or want different uses of the same resources.

• Different priorities

  People may agree on what matters but disagree about what should come first.

• Unequal sharing of costs

  A project can benefit society overall while placing heavier costs on some people.

• Managing trade-offs

  A trade-off means giving up some benefit to obtain another when all aims cannot be fully met.

• Having good leadership

  Leaders need ability and integrity to make and carry out decisions for society.

• Anticipating change and staying relevant

  Prepare for future needs, and update a response when circumstances change.

• A stake for everyone, opportunities for all

  Give people ways to contribute and opportunities to participate in society.

• Practising meritocracy

  Assess people on relevant ability, effort and contribution, while recognising unequal opportunities to develop them.

These sources were written for this chapter's practice questions.