Social Opportunities – Chances for people to improve their quality of life, for instance, access to healthcare and education

To remember the meaning of the term Social Opportunities, use the following mnemonic:

"So shall the opportunities (social opportunities) be better here than where I am from – better education, better healthcare?"

The most basic social opportunities are access to education and to healthcare facilities. These facilities have to be within a reasonable distance and need to be free or affordable.

Social opportunities also extend to the amount of interaction between people and groups. A lack of social interaction can have a serious effect on individuals' development and life chances.

Where people live can have an important bearing on their social opportunities and life outcomes. Living in an area that is poorly supported by services and infrastructure is likely to mean a distinct lack of opportunity.