Social Planning:

· Alfred J. Kahn defines planning as follows: Planning is policy choice and

programming in the light of facts, projections and application of values.
· Michael Clague defined social planning as, “a local, democratic system for
setting priorities, arriving at equitable compromises and taking action. It supports
community needs and interests in social, cultural, economic, and environmental
affairs.”
· Kimball Young: “Planning is a programme aimed at sociocultural change in a
particular direction with a given aim or goal in mind”.
· Sumner and Keller. Social Planning “is the development of non-instinctive
foresight that distinguishes the man”.
· Merrill and Eldredge: “Social planning is merely organized foresight aimed at
accepted goals and based on existing knowledge of skills”
CONCEPT OF SOCIAL PLANNING:
Social planning is a process for planning social services programs, services, and
policies. Government agencies engage in large-scale development, research, and
planning to address social problems. Social planning is used by policy makers-
legislators, government agencies, planners and often funders to solve community
problems or improve conditions in the community.
Social planning is the process by which policymakers - legislators, government
agencies, planners, and, often, funders - try to solve community problems or
improve conditions in the community by devising and implementing policies
intended to have certain results. The goal of social planning is to strengthen
communities and build pathways to well-being for all citizens. Creating
community well-being is about learning how to live together in a way that gives
everyone the opportunity to develop their full potential.
AIMS OF SOCIAL PLANNING:
The general goal of all social planning is to “improve” society, but the definition of
improvement differs, depending upon the underlying values of the social system.
'improvement' in the Indian context, achieving increase in efficiency and widening
democracy may mean improvement in the American context
The three phases of social planning discussed are socially aware planning, socially
responsible planning and institutional change.
Characteristics of SOCIAL PLANNING:
(i)Physical Values that consist of food, clothing, shelter, relaxation and sexual
satisfaction.
(ii) Cultural Values that comprise of procreation, education, recreation, artistic
development, technological development and satisfactory social change.
FUNCTION OF SOCIAL PLANNING
Social planning is a process that involves local governments and community
members working together to address social issues and build healthy communities.
Integrated with other types of planning, social planning focuses on the people
themselves in a community planning context.
Kelsey and Hearne (1949) have given the following rationale for a planned
extension programme. According to them, sound extension programme planning is
based on
1. Analysis of the facts in the situation;
2. Selects problems based on needs;
3. Determines objectives and solutions which offer satisfaction;
4. Reflects performance with flexibility;
5. Incorporate balance with emphasis;
6. Envisages a definite plan of work;
7. Is a continuous process;
8. Is a teaching process;
9. Is a coordinating process;
10.Involves local people and their institutions; and
11.Provides for evaluation of results.
Summary: Thus it could be said that planning programmes is an integral part of
the development process and ensures better and efficient utilization of resources,
accountability and human development