Final answer:
Getting an education positively influences societal development by providing numerous benefits such as economic growth, reduced inequality, and improvements in health and political participation, leading to a more empowered and just society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'How does getting an education affect society as a whole?' relates to the social implications and the externalities of education on a broader societal level. The correct answer to this question is that it positively influences societal development (c). Education contributes to a range of societal benefits that extend beyond the individual. These include higher personal earnings, economic growth, poverty reduction, reduction in crime, increased political participation, improved health outcomes, and the empowerment of individuals, particularly women. Moreover, education's positive externalities are recognized as key factors in promoting a more equitable, democratic, and progressive society.
Investing in education yields substantial social returns, encompassing a healthier population, lower crime rates, better environmental care, and a more stable government. Therefore, many governments find it imperative to allocate taxpayer dollars to support public education at primary, secondary, and higher education levels.