Suchergebnisse

The notion of material inter-dependence of the nations of the world is a 20th cent idea. Such factors as application of modern science and technology, communication methods, knowledge and control of diseases have contributed to the emerging concept of the inter-dependence of the human needs of the world. To accept this idea of inter-dependence is ultimately to accept also the necessity of mutual obligation. The report, limited to data available to the UN, emphasizes actual conditions, without concerning itself with governmental or private action relating to economic, political, or health needs of the world. Throughout, the term 'social' is interpreted in the sense of levels of living. An attempt is made to compare the various levels apart from differing social structures, value systems and cultural patterns. The following major topics are considered: population, health, food and nutrition, housing, education, communication, conditions of work and employment, special problems affecting living conditions, and general levels of income and welfare. The findings indicate that 2/3 of the world population have a life expectancy at birth of 30 years or less. The implications of a new 'demographic revolution' brought about by unique change in birth and death rates in the less developed areas of the world indicate new problems of social unrest and misery, which could, perhaps, be solved by a slowly diminishing rate of world fertility. R. J. Murphy.