YILMAZ: Social Sustainability as a Framework for Reducing Global Inequalities

01/03/2025 miliojutufi

WRITTEN BY BETUL YILMAZ

Social sustainability is not just an abstract concept; it is also a principle that shapes our daily lives. Built on human rights, equality, and social justice, this principle is the key to building a fair and inclusive society.

Discussions on social sustainability tend to focus more on ideology and politics rather than functionality. Although these discussions encompass complex concepts such as quality of life and societal well-being, they make the topic more difficult to measure and understand. Until the 1990s, social sustainability debates primarily focused on two main issues: poverty and population growth. However, international organizations began to recognize these problems not only as causes of ecological unsustainability but also as fundamental drivers of economic inequality and injustice.

One of the greatest challenges of this century is aligning global development trends with sustainable development goals, particularly social sustainability. Sustainable development is an approach that advocates for economic growth to be achieved without increasing social inequalities. In other words, it means that economic prosperity should be distributed across society, ensuring that everyone receives an equal share of development. It is important to emphasize the need for a balanced approach to both supporting economic growth on a global scale and meeting social and environmental requirements. Maintaining this balance is essential for ensuring long-term well-being and quality of life. Therefore, policymakers and leaders are required to consider this balance when making decisions and formulating strategies. In this context, developing countries face growing challenges due to limited environmental resources and the urgent need for their protection. Balancing local community needs with environmental limitations is crucial for sustainable development. Genuine progress extends beyond economic growth and requires the integration of social justice and environmental protection.

Social sustainability plays a crucial role in building a fair and equitable society. To achieve this goal, it is essential to carefully address key elements such as human rights, social justice, equality, inclusivity, gender equality, and good governance. Social sustainability focuses on maintaining and enhancing social quality by promoting well-being, social justice, and equality. It encompasses aspects such as community development, access to essential services, and the protection of vulnerable groups. From this perspective, social justice is not only an ethical obligation but also a crucial component that supports the long-term viability of societies. . Social justice is a fundamental concept related to the fair and equal distribution of resources and opportunities, significantly intersecting with the concept of social sustainability. In pursuit of social justice through social sustainability, it is essential to address ongoing systemic inequalities within societies

These inequalities often manifest in disparities related to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. The social sustainability approach promotes systemic changes to eliminate the barriers faced by certain groups due to factors such as ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or disability.

Integrating social justice with social sustainability offers a holistic approach to addressing both present and future societal challenges. This approach requires ensuring that everyone benefits inclusively from development and has the opportunity to contribute to and gain from sustainable growth. By promoting social justice, social sustainability helps to achieve social equality and well-being. In this context, efforts must be made to build a fairer world for future generations.

However, achieving social sustainability remains a challenge in the face of growing global inequalities and socio-economic divides. As highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025, inequality is an escalating global threat and further illuminates the interconnected nature of these challenges. The report identifies societal polarization, inequality, and environmental risks as critical concerns over the next decade. In the short term, misinformation, societal polarization, and economic disparity will drive instability. However, in the next decade, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and critical damage to Earth’s systems will dominate the global risk landscape, disproportionately affecting the Global South. Without immediate intervention, these inequalities will deepen, creating a future where survival is a privilege rather than a right.

The path to social sustainability requires a holistic approach that integrates human rights, justice, and equality into every policy and action. Let us strive to create a world where every individual, regardless of their geographic or economic status, can live with dignity and hope.

“In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.” Wangarĩ Maathai

References

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