The Question of Social Sustainability

Well-being and good health are mission critical for individuals, organizations, and communities. Equally important is sustainability once the quintessential qualities that add healthy life expectancy have been accomplished. The quote, “The ability of a community to develop processes and structures which not only meet the needs of its current members but also support the ability of future generations to maintain a healthy community,” captures the need for a long view according to the Business Dictionary.

Currently, four-plus million folks, thousands of organizations, and seventy communities have already objectively improved their well-being and health status. In addition to spreading the good fortune, how do these entities sustain their advancements?

The question of social sustainability is currently becoming the center of attention for successful people, companies, and places. Social sustainability occurs when formal and informal processes, systems, structures, and relationships actively support current and future generations to create healthy and livable communities. Socially successful communities are equitable, diverse, connected, and democratic, while providing a good quality of life. Closely linked to social sustainability is environmental and governance sustainability (ESG).

Creating successful sustainable places that promote well-being requires understanding what people need from where they live and work. Designing physical locales with social infrastructure to support social/cultural life, social amenities, systems for citizen engagement, and space for continued evolution is another aspect of social sustainability.

Social sustainability questions include:

• Equity—Will regions’ improvements for multigenerational disadvantaged groups match traditionally advantaged areas? Will target groups have a role in planning to improve their lives socially and economically? Can fairness be instituted?
• Diversity—Will diverse groups be recognized and their needs be met? Will dominant groups become more inclusive and tolerant by encouraging all views to be taken into consideration?
• Social cohesion—Will previously disconnected, disadvantaged groups take advantage of the positive attributes of dominant populations while retaining their specific cultural identities? Will the overall economics of the area thrive so all can benefit? Going forward, will others follow a successful pathway?
• Quality of life—Will physical and mental health improve? Will education, training, and skill development include everyone to create a better life? Will all benefit?

As a business investment, either by a governmental entity or private supporters, sustainability is universally beneficial because productivity improves. Coincident with productivity is a better standard of life. Long-term sustainability is as important as a short-term positive shift. Society suffers when productive changes are not instituted for the next generations.

More on sustainable communities next week—meanwhile, stay optimistic about successful sustainability.