How Can Sociology Contribute to Sustainable Development?
The concept of sustainable development emerged in the late 1980s as an ideology which sought to strive for economic advancements without harming the environment. Although the economy and the environment are central features of sustainable development, they are not independent factors which exist in separation from other features of society. An interdisciplinary approach is common in sustainable development due to its complex nature which cannot be sufficiently conveyed through the methodology of a single discipline. The subject of sociology is one of the areas which is frequently disregarded by academics when conducting interdisciplinary research of sustainable development. Some of the key issues which display the correlation between the two fields include quality of life, poverty and environmental concerns. These common issues establish an opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration between the two fields.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as set out by the United Nations, represent an all-encompassing approach which holds relevance for both developed and developing countries. Prior to their announcement, the SDGs were subject to political negotiations during which the evaluation criteria for over 150 indicators were discussed. However, according to some researchers, the SDGs framework omits a thorough integration of theory on transformation and evolution. Refraining from incorporating these theories, hinders the ability to contextualise the SDGs within the global sustainability initiatives, as well as undermines the transformation of global systems. This creates a gap which sociological theory and methods can aid with. Sociological research can supply sustainability initiatives with guidance on how to achieve societal transformations through social innovation.
“Our Common Future” Report by the Brundtland Commission highlighted the importance of considering the sociological perspective, due to its focus on human beings as the key actors who contribute to patterns of social organisation. Understanding the evolution of these patterns is crucial for the development of solutions to sustainability problems. Sociology provides an insight into the implications of those social patterns for the SDGs. Most significantly, these patterns affect the emphasis placed on innovation by various interest groups, which is essential for developing sustainable solutions:
A high level of centralisation is more likely to lead to less emphasis on innovation
A high level of diversity within interest groups will lead to complex and varied mix of priorities
A high level of specialists/professionals within interest groups will result in a higher emphasis on innovation and its quality
Sociological Approaches to Sustainability
Sociology can enhance the understanding of sustainable development by illustrating sustainability from unexplored perspectives and by providing novel approaches, concepts and analyses which are relevant for researchers to consider. This includes the examination of various human relations, social actions, motivations, culture, and complex structures of social organisation.
Sustainability (or Lack Thereof) as a Result of Social Action
Sociological methods of analysing the coordination of social actions, provides a new perspective for sustainability research to determine why society or communities may engage in behaviours which may be harmful and hinder sustainable development. From a practical point of view, decision-makers and planners of sustainability programmes may lack awareness or understanding of the various social management tools provided by sociology. These mechanisms can aid in harmonising group actions and supporting social dynamism, as well as result in increased social cohesion.
Sustainability as the Problem, Rather Than the Solution
Some sociologists approach sustainability as the problem rather than the solution, due to its complex and varied meaning. They view it as a challenge to the present day society, which must work towards identifying solutions to sustainability. Therefore, a sociological approach addresses the topic of sustainability from a reflexive and problem-orientated perspective, considering the various paradoxes, dilemmas and contradictions associated with sustainability. On the other hand, a non-sociological perspective will address sustainability as something that can be analysed via societal conditions, and which can be addressed through guidelines and principles which are designed to achieve the desirable state. These differences in approaches stem from the sociological focus on observing socioeconomic transformations, societal inequalities and hierarchies, emerging conflicts and practices which serve to justify the social order.
Impact of Social Relations on Sustainability
Sociological observations generate insights which illustrate how sustainability is being integrated into contemporary society, as well as institutions and cultural patterns. Most importantly, sociological research can explain how social relations of power are interlocked with sustainability. Sociology considers the fact that the definition of sustainability and the decisions which are made in regard to it, are determined by social hierarchies, as well as patterns.
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