What is Social Sustainability? Key Examples to Know

Social sustainability is one of the three aspects of sustainability. When discussing the three E’s of sustainability, it is often referred to as ethical sustainability. Let’s all make it a point to follow these socially sustainable examples that positively impact future generations.

Ethics and social values are just as important as economic and environmental sustainability because the other two are not enforceable without them.

An easier way to consider these sustainability disciplines is to consider them as profit, planet, and people. Today, we will focus on the people aspects, specifically social and ethical sustainability.

Social sustainability is a critical aspect of sustainable development that is often overlooked in environmental and economic sustainability discussions. It refers to actions to improve society’s well-being, including promoting social equity and justice, improving access to healthcare and education, and reducing poverty.

We will explore examples of social sustainability around us in the social world and explain why they matter. Learning to recognize these examples is crucial for understanding the importance of social sustainability and how we can contribute to a more sustainable society.

Social sustainability goes deeper by covering human welfare, rights, living and work conditions, and more. In terms of ESG, ethical and Social sustainability is one part of the bigger picture.

What is Social Sustainability?

Social sustainability is an aspect of sustainability that is often overlooked. While most discussions cover economics, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, the social aspect is often the most important.

To better understand, let’s look at the term’s meaning. Social sustainability is how places, communities, and workplaces design or plan for total well-being.

This means people will have the space, ability, and support needed to engage, evolve, and live healthy lives. Social sustainability exists in almost every aspect of life, from business and healthcare to childcare and development.

Building healthy communities is possible with informal and formal measures to support the community. Livable communities that are democratic, have diverse viewpoints, are connected and equitable, and offer a good quality of life for all within them are socially sustainable.

To create this type of community, more than a plan or process is needed to make it effective. The structures within that community, in addition to the thought process of the community members, will need to support future and current generations to ensure the health, economic stability, and environmental growth required for long-term maintenance.

Social sustainability combines the design of several stakeholders to promote social cohesion in a local community, which includes businesses, public and civic institutions, and community members.

See Related: What are Social Returns on Investment?

Different Types of Social Sustainability

Many forms of social sustainability apply to almost every aspect of society. Some examples are easy to understand, while others may be more complex.

Social and ethical issues are often interchangeable, but sustainability refers to the same principles. The main point of social sustainability is caring about the physical, mental, and emotional health of others.

There are many ways to accomplish a healthy balance, depending on the setting and your role. For example, in a retail setting, as the manager, it is important to ensure that the employees working under you have the tools needed to do the job effectively.

At the same time, as their manager, you must provide a safe and healthy work environment so they are happy to work and complete their task without mental duress.

Other forms include community welfare, care for the disabled, educational equality, access to healthcare, job security for the underprivileged, and many others.

Even social acceptance and equality fall under the banner of social sustainability. For people to get along and for communities to prosper, there must be some level of respect and understanding, even when ideals, religions, and methodologies differ.

Social Sustainability Examples

Let’s review some general social sustainability examples. We will discuss some topics more specifically later in the article, but this is a great way to grasp the topic as it relates to ethical business impacts and sustainability in general.

One of the most relevant examples of social sustainability is resolving issues of racism and also dealing with discrimination. In the police department, there have been harsher treatments and punishments for people of color.

Social sustainability would deal with the issues at the base level that would help remove or address inherent racial issues while also dealing with discrimination in the community. Some other currently relevant examples cover discrimination issues in schools and social communities.

One of the biggest social sustainability topics on the headlines this year has been equality for marginalized communities, specifically LGBTQ+. Ensuring basic human rights and working towards social acceptance is a big part of ethical and social sustainability.

This effort aims to create communities, workplaces, schools, and even governments that are diverse, accepting, and reflective of those diverse groups within the community.

Equal access to workplaces or a safe environment has been a struggle for many. Still, tremendous progress has been made over the last several years with diversity initiatives and other social sustainability programs.

Healthcare is one of the biggest social sustainability issues to date. Though it is still a modern concern, it has been a topic in social life for generations. Access to basic healthcare for low-income residents, people of color, those with disabilities, and even those of different genders has been a hot topic in social sustainability.

A population’s physical and mental health is one of the most significant factors contributing to a community’s success. Infant mortality rates within a specific population and life expectancies also fall under social sustainability.

Here are several examples:

Employee well-being programs
Ethical sourcing and supply chain management
Community engagement and philanthropy
Diversity and inclusion initiatives
Fair labor practices and living wages
Sustainable product development
Education and training programs
Reducing carbon footprint and environmental impact
Supporting local economies and small businesses
Transparency and accountability in reporting and governance

Examples of Social Equity

Social equity refers to the idea that everyone should have equal access to equal opportunities within society, regardless of their social status or economic background. This includes the fair treatment of individuals and groups and the equal distribution of resources and services.

Social equity falls under the umbrella of social sustainability, which encompasses human rights, fair labor practices, living conditions, health, safety, wellness, diversity, equity, work-life balance, and community and citizen engagement. It is an essential element in promoting a more sustainable and just society.

Here are some examples of social equity in action:

Accessibility: Ensuring that public buildings, transportation, and services are accessible to people with disabilities, providing equal access to employment, education, and healthcare.
Affordable housing: Ensuring that everyone has access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing, regardless of income or social status.
Environmental justice: Ensuring that no community bears disproportionate environmental harm due to race or economic status, such as pollution or environmental disasters.
Gender equality: Ensuring that women and men have equal access to education, employment, and healthcare and are treated fairly in all aspects of life.
Racial justice: Providing equal opportunities and protections to all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality.
Social safety net: Providing social support programs such as welfare, unemployment benefits, and food assistance to help ensure that everyone has access to basic needs.
Education: Providing every child with access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Healthcare: Ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their ability to pay.
Criminal justice: Ensuring the justice system treats all individuals equally, without discrimination or bias based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Political participation: Ensuring that everyone has equal access to political life, including voting, running for office, and having their voices heard in the decision-making process.

See Related: Examples of the Collective Income Model

Examples of Social Sustainability in Aged Care

Ethical and social sustainability concerns are a big part of the long-term strategy of both businesses and communities. There is always a demand for specific resources, and the demands of the aging population are increasing exponentially. When it comes to aging, many social inequalities have improved, but still, a great deal needs to be addressed.

Some examples of aged care will be discussed here, but the list of actual problems is much longer. One of the biggest issues in aged care is that people are living longer, but access to and demands on resources for the younger population are growing much quicker than expected.

The increase in population has placed a higher demand on land, water, energy, food, and even medical resources. The increased demand also directly leads to an increase in pricing.

While working-age people can increase their income to compensate, most aging people face a crisis as their savings or passive income cannot match the increased demand and price hikes.

In aged care, these social sustainability issues are becoming a growing concern as the population ages and life expectancy rates increase. Organizations, healthcare facilities, and communities must find ways to cater to and care for this increasing demographic in a way that is humane and sustainable at the same time.

This can include creating more old-age programs, encouraging those in the younger population to volunteer, offering incentives for children to care for their parents and help ease the pressure on existing old-age communities, and more. In addition, new facilities that have a lower environmental impact will need to be built to help house and care for the aging population.

More research is also needed to understand and anticipate the long-term needs of the aging community so that businesses, governments, communities, and the healthcare system can adapt in a way that provides proper care while effectively managing available resources. There are also emotional health and mental health factors to consider.

Many of the current population are dealing with a higher-than-usual rash of mental health disorders; these issues will be carried over into the aged community as they age. As a social sustainability concern, measures must be implemented to treat and care for these issues before they become an epidemic.

See Related: Social Impact Values You Need To Know

Examples of Social Sustainability in Childcare

As mentioned, social sustainability is about a community’s well-being, cultural competence, and equity. Regarding children and families, specifically, being socially sustainable in childcare is very important.

Not only does it help children succeed during the most important developmental years of their lives, but it also teaches them how to practice social sustainability as they grow older and mature. Knowing social sustainability in childcare on paper and seeing it in action can often be two different things, so we will give you some easy-to-understand examples.

The well-being of the children in a care setting is very important. How a child feels will dramatically affect how they behave and act with others around them.

Childcare workers should always renew their mental health and stay inspired to pass those positive vibes to the children in their care. Treating people equally is important, but treating people equitably is more effective for social sustainability.

One example is fairness. Fairness is not about everyone getting the same things—that is equality. Sustainability is about everyone getting the tools they need to be successful, which is equity.

When it comes to social sustainability in childcare, it is important to give the younger generation the tools, time, strategies, and support needed for them to be successful and participate in the world around them. That means looking deeply at each child’s needs according to age, culture, learning style, personal challenges, etc.

While that may mean one child gets more attention than another at times, in a childcare setting, it will allow all of the children to have an equitable chance at getting ahead.

Being culturally competent and inclusive is also a big part of social responsibility in childcare. Not only do you need to include everyone regardless of their background, but you also need to teach others about respecting differences in opinion, culture, ability, and more.

Importance of Childcare on Social Equality

When discussing sustainability, childcare may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, childcare is actually a critical component of social sustainability, one that impacts not only children and families but society as a whole. Here are ten reasons why:

Childcare enables parents to work: When parents have access to quality childcare, they can work and contribute to the economy. This benefits not only the families themselves but also the wider community.
Promotes gender equality: By enabling both parents to work, childcare helps to promote gender equality by breaking down traditional gender roles and expectations.
Supports children’s development: Quality childcare provides a safe and nurturing environment to learn and grow.
Childcare reduces social isolation: For parents, access to childcare can reduce social isolation by enabling them to connect with other parents and caregivers.
Fosters community connections: Childcare can also help to build connections within communities, as parents and caregivers come together to support each other and their children.
Supports children’s academic success: Research has shown that children who attend quality early childhood education programs are more likely to succeed academically later in life.
Promotes healthy development: Quality childcare can also support children’s physical, emotional, and social development, setting them up for success in the future.
Childcare benefits employers: When employers offer childcare options to their employees, they can benefit from increased productivity and employee retention.
Economic benefits: Access to quality childcare has been shown to positively impact economic growth and development.
Key element of social sustainability: Childcare is a critical component of social sustainability, enabling parents to work, supporting children’s development, fostering community connections, and benefiting employers and the wider economy.

See Related: Things to Know About Climate Refugees

Social Sustainability in Business

A socially sustainable business can have a significant effect on social and cultural life along with the ability to build socially sustainable communities. This is the most under-quantified part of sustainability in most triple bottom line (TBL) models. In business, TBL models look at corporate impact’s financial, environmental, and social aspects.

Instead of planning, most businesses use this model to help track and gauge company performance. Examples in business include what practices they have to ensure fair labor and wages, promote well-being, and support social cohesion and social responsibility. The best part of this approach is that it immediately impacts current and future generations by spurring economic growth in these local communities.

Another example of business-based social sustainability is a company’s stance on human rights and its efforts to ensure a high-quality work-life balance. Although most companies don’t have workers living at the worksite, living conditions and community and employee engagement are still important aspects of social sustainability in this field.

It is important for companies to care about how their presence affects the local community, both for good and for the ill. The social impact can be shaped through philanthropy and volunteerism to support positive growth and foster goodwill. Social sustainability in business also covers the company’s relationship with investors, business partners, or stakeholders.

The amount and reliability of the supply chain, supplier payments, and even the effect of the products on the lives of the end consumers all play a role in social sustainability. Proper implementation will help mitigate risk, support a healthy bottom line, and overall improve the quality of life among all stakeholders involved.

FAQs

What are some examples of social sustainability?

Social sustainability is creating and maintaining equitable, diverse, connected, and democratic societies that provide all members with a good quality of life. It includes human rights, labor rights, and corporate governance.

Examples of social sustainability initiatives can range from implementing fair trade practices and promoting gender equality in the workplace to supporting community development projects and ensuring access to essential services like healthcare and education. These initiatives aim to foster a sense of belonging, promote social cohesion, and ultimately contribute to the long-term viability of communities and societies.

What are the 5 principles of social sustainability?

The five social sustainability principles are equity, diversity, interconnectedness, democracy, and quality of life. Equity refers to the fair distribution of resources and opportunities, while diversity acknowledges and values the differences among individuals and communities.

Interconnectedness emphasizes the relationships between people and their environment, and democracy underscores the importance of participation and representation in decision-making processes. Quality of life, the final principle, focuses on ensuring a good standard of living for all. These principles guide actions and policies aimed at promoting social sustainability.

What is considered social sustainability?

Social sustainability is the ability of a society to maintain and improve the well-being of its members over the long term. It emphasizes the importance of creating equitable, diverse, connected, and democratic societies.

This involves promoting human rights, ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities, fostering social cohesion, and enhancing quality of life. Social sustainability is integral to the broader concept of sustainable development, encompassing environmental and economic sustainability. It is a multifaceted concept that requires a holistic approach to address the complex social challenges of our time.

Related Resources