Essay on social evils

A social evil is any action or consequence that is not in the public interest or which is anti-social and works against the development of society. Social evils cause damage to the society or its citizens in physical, emotional or cultural form. Terrorism would be an example of a social evil as would be prostitution, organized crime, alcoholism, pollution, dowry in any form or corruption.

One type of social evil is: A decline of community

A major theme that emerged from the consultation was a decline of community and weakened local neighbourhoods. Participants felt that neighbours no longer know or look out for one another, which left people feeling isolated, lonely and fearful.

Some felt that having a cohesive family of any form was enough, whereas others highlighted the importance of having a mother and a father. Experience of family breakdown among the unheard voices was widespread. Many of the young people involved had grown up in care, something universally described as negative. They talked about periods of family disruption or violent family backgrounds acting as a catalyst for 'going off the rails'. This was also suggested by web respondents, who saw family breakdown as a cause of anti-social behaviour among young people. Young people as victims or perpetrators There was disagreement about whether young people are the perpetrators or victims of social evil. Some participants criticised youth culture and blamed young people for anti-social behaviour, binge drinking, violence, gun and knife crime and other problems. Others focused on how young people are failed by their families and the school system, and are misrepresented in the media. There was also concern about the perceived "growing gulf between the old and the young", as one website participant put it, and the negative attitudes this can encourage between generations. Young people in the unheard groups talked about how their place in wider society felt uncomfortable. There were concerns that young people lack good role models and that some face limited opportunities and job prospects. Negative stereotyping was a common concern, borne out by comments from older citizens.