When we hear the word “sustainability” the first thing that pops into our head is usually “environment”. We usually focus on how human practices impact the physical environment, whether that’s pollution, material usage, animal impact, etc. Another topic of sustainability that has recently grown in importance is social sustainability. Social sustainability could be in terms of business practices or communities.
The main goals of community social sustainability are to create a society in which people work together to get equal opportunities for all people, create a safe and diverse community, and make sure that everyone living in the community has a chance to voice their opinions. As a community, they want to attract and retain residents from a variety of backgrounds. Ideal social sustainability creates a community that is supported in the present as well as the future.
Some issues that interfere with a community’s ability to be sustainable is racism and discrimination within schools, workplaces, and social interactions. For example, certain schools receive more funding than others which causes a gap in education between children. Another major issue is the equality of basic health needs. The well-being of humans is a large factor in what makes a community sustainable. Easy access, or lack thereof, to medical help directly determines life expectancy and infant mortality.
So how can we improve social sustainability within a community? First, we must recognize and address deep rooted systematic inequalities. For example, African Americans experience higher levels of poverty compared to other racial groups today because of horrible events and laws that were placed in this country 200 years ago. Next, we must correct underlying subconscious beliefs and be able to listen to others. We must be able to listen to ideas that aren’t our own and admit that some might be better for the community. Third, we must implement these ideas through policy. Policies could include making more affordable housing, more physical and mental medical support, and creating more equal education opportunities. However, all these policies must stay within the budget and resources available to be able to sustain the programs for a long time. In addition to policies, communities should also create events to boost community moral and tie the community together. Communities can create carnivals, fairs, and park activities. In my hometown, Fairport, New York, a major event that brings my town together is Canal Days. This event lines the main street in our town with members of the community to sell their products. This boosts the economy in our town as well as the moral of the town. Just this one event helps our town become more socially sustainable.
So, the next time you hear the word “sustainability”, think about more than just how humans effect the environment and more about how the communities we live in affect us. Think about your own town and how socially sustainable it is through the policies that are in place and how the overall beliefs in your community affect those around you. Remember that for a community to be socially sustainable, everyone must have the right to voice their opinion, and everyone needs to be open to new ideas.
References
https://www.adecesg.com/resources/faq/what-is-social-sustainability/
https://diversity.social/social-sustainability/