Future Forward: Future Societies

In the Channel NewsAsia programme Future Forward, SMU Behavioural Sciences Institute Director Professor David Chan discussed issues concerning the future of societies. On tensions between country and global city pursuits, he said problems arise when groups feel that they are not treated fairly and rights and privileges are disagreed upon between the groups.  On ageing, he said it can be an asset and it is an adaptation process involving individuals, society, policies and jobs. On income inequality, he said the issues are whether people at the lower strata can have a reasonable wage, a good quality of life and opportunities for social mobility.  On diversity and social divides, he suggested focusing on similarities rather than differences and using the concept of home-in-a-community to integrate different groups so that diversity becomes a strength and asset rather than a liability.