Review of the current concepts, dimensions, elements and indicators of social sustainability and social development

Abstract

The concept of social sustainability is typically described as the conservation or enhancement of the welfare of current and future generations. Social sustainability is accomplishing the present basic needs of human beings with assurances of its sustained benefits for future generations. However, it is considered a complex, three-pronged, and multidisciplinary concept that is challenging to critically comprehend and measure empirically, particularly in the context of sustainable development. Furthermore, the numerous definitions, theories, and approaches increase the complexity along with the adoption and implementation of its principal tenets. Therefore, this paper presents a concise overview of the current concepts, dimensions, elements and indicators of social sustainability in the context of social development. According to the findings, social sustainability is typically involved with the continuous provision of social services (i.e. healthcare, education, housing, leisure and transport), reduce poverty and inequality (inter- and intra-generational) among residents of any community. As such, social sustainability is concerned with the current and future standard of living of people. Likewise, socially sustainable development is construed as the sustenance of social values, characteristics, and relations of people and place for the future. According to the authors, the interactions within social networks, contribution to cooperative groups and networks within the community are typical indicators of social sustainability. Furthermore, three distinct categories of social sustainability exist, namely; development, bridge, and maintenance sustainability. Furthermore, the elements of social sustainability identified were good health services, education, safe neighbourhoods, sanitation, and low-cost housing. Furthermore, the findings showed that indicators ensure that stakeholders are adequately informed about the complexity of social systems, engender comprehensive understanding and evaluation of sustainability and lastly effective communication of the empirical findings for enhanced decision making by stakeholders. In conclusion, the brief perspectives and future outlook on social sustainability indicate that the concept is crucial to sustainable development from the perspective of sustainable communities