Social crimes

Paying the price of rapid industrialisation

OUR current social problems and increasing crime rate are largely due to the very materialistic and consumerist attitude of society.
Today, society puts material wealth above everything else in classifying the social status of an individual.

Gone are the days when status was based on education, profession, personal conduct and contribution to society. A Division One government officer then was placed in high esteem even though he was paid a meagre salary.

Things have clearly changed.

This new culture has created the rapid pursuit of material wealth. Moral values seem to be almost totally irrelevant in this pursuit.

In their quest for wealth, many parents have forgotten or neglected their role in forging their children’s moral and ethical outlook. As a result, there is a decline in moral values in the younger generation.

Many have become selfish, rude and highly materialistic. There is disrespect for the elders, whose invaluable life experiences are brushed aside.

But can parents be solely to blame for neglecting their children's development?
Today, one has to pay a lot for basic, essential services like health, education, housing and transport. How can one earn enough without neglecting the family?

I believe the main cause of this unfavourable situation is rapid industrialisation.
In our enthusiasm to become a developed country, we have privatised all manner of services, including basic ones.

Instead of becoming more affordable, these services have become more costly and beyond the reach of the man on the street.

Parents now have to work harder and put in longer hours to provide for the education, housing and healthcare of the family.
Unless we find ways to reduce this burden on parents, our children will continue to be neglected.

Chris Anthony