Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

 Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

In contemporary times, when everyone is vying for economic prosperity, a lobby professes it should be the most significant priority for any nation, while some others disagree vehemently and suggest the countries will be better served to not ignore other aspects of growth. In my opinion, while the former is important, the latter cannot be ignored.

Undeniably, there are several benefits for any country to strive to attain affluence; without it the state will be unable to meet the basic needs of its populace, namely food, clothing and shelter. Additionally, without the financial muscle, it is difficult for a country to achieve any meaningful progress with respect to infrastructure, health, defense and a myriad of other sectors. Once the basic needs of the citizens have been met, growth in these areas help in raising the standard of living. Furthermore, prosperity can influence policy change at the global level since impoverished societies run the risk of getting ignored on the world stage, and bear the consequences of unfavorable decisions.

On the other hand, there are others who believe that apart from economic progress, a nation will be better served to not neglect progress in social issues like equality, freedom of expression, communal harmony and social justice, to name a few. Without development in these areas, people may soon get dismayed with the situation and resort to unlawful activities leading to anarchy. Thus, a nation apathetic to social progress will be unable to sustain the economic progress in the long run.

To conclude, economic progress and other sectors of development go hand in hand, and one cannot be neglected while prioritizing the other. Therefore, it will be rational to assert that governments should lay emphasis on all round growth rather than just attaining economic might.