Social Sustainability

There are a number of definitions of social sustainability. In general, all these definitions discuss social dimensions of sustainability. Social goals are significant to evolve sustainability strategies for a better future. In the article “what is social sustainability? A clarification of concepts” written by  Suzanne Vallance , Harvey C. Perkins and Jennifer E. Dixon (2011 ) discuss about three components of social sustainability a. Development sustainability b. Bridge sustainability c. Maintenance sustainability. “ ‘Development’ social sustainability, is concerned with meeting basic needs, inter- and intra-generational equity, and so on. ‘Bridge sustainability’ focuses on changing behaviour so as to achieve bio-physical environmental goals. ‘Maintenance sustainability’ refers to social acceptance or what can be sustained in social terms. ”Maria Adebowale, in her article   “Towards a socially inclusive sustainable development research agenda “ 2002 said “Sustainability has always been linked to a core concept of human need so it is a fundamental contradiction to believe it can be achieved without improved social equity and social progress”

  The World Bank highlights four critical components of social sustainability: social cohesion, inclusion, resilience, and process legitimacy.” It explains these components in the following words “A cohesive society has high levels of trust, enabling it to work together to overcome challenges. An inclusive society is one where all people can thrive. A resilient society can withstand shocks without significant losses to the well-being of current and future generations. Process legitimacy—a relatively new concept—is about how policies and programs are designed and implemented, ensuring that they are accepted as fair and credible by all key stakeholders.”  According to the World Bank when focus is on social sustainability people feel that they are part of the development process and believe they and their descendants will benefit from it. Social sustainability –UN Global Compact defines the social sustainability of companies as follows: “Social sustainability is about identifying and managing business impacts, both positive and negative, on people. The quality of a company’s relationships and engagement with its stakeholders is critical. Directly or indirectly, companies affect what happens to employees, workers in the value chain, customers and local communities, and it is important to manage impacts proactively.”  According to Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen   social sustainability has six dimensions. They are equity, diversity, social cohesion, quality of life, democracy and governance, and maturity. This pillar of sustainability has not been given adequate attention despite the fact it has been in the agenda of international organizations and institutions. 

It is based on the presentation made by Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Director, IFPNP, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha, MS, India.