What Is a Happy, Productive Member of Society?
A happy, productive member of society is an individual who contributes to his place of residence by upholding the law, working for his own sustenance, providing community service and participating in political affairs as far as he is able. Being a productive member of society is related to the concepts of citizenship and social capital.
For a society to thrive, members of that society must live in such a way that they create conditions of trust, cooperation, interdependence and safety. The Civic Practices Network identifies these conditions as social capital. It further explains that citizens increase these conditions by becoming involved in community affairs, such as joining civic associations, helping out at school and religious events, giving to charities and participating in public beautification projects. Simple gestures, like paying taxes and respecting traffic laws, contribute to society by creating an environment of order.
Happy, productive members of society also take part in the political process, ensuring that just laws are enacted and honest citizens hold high office. According to Citizen.org, good citizenship involves developing political literacy, which is a viable knowledge about the major issues being debated. Good members of society also exercise civic morality. When considering social and political questions, they place the public good above their own interest.
