The purpose of the report is to provide a succinct summary of global developments from a social perspective. It offers new insights into the nature and magnitude of the pressing social problems and the national and international policies required to address them.The report assesses the major trends in socio-economic development, and notes the changes to institutional frameworks, such as the family and civil society. It considers living conditions including: education; work and income security; disparities in incomes and poverty; and quality of life indicators regarding food security, health and shelter. It also discusses factors that cause social disruption, such as armed conflict, discrimination and crime. The report contains both statistical and qualitative information, and draws from a wide range of international sources.