Challenges of the Social Dimension of Sustainability

obligatory courses

Classroom

A social dimension to sustainability is widely accepted, however, the exact meaning of the concept has not been very clearly defined or agreed. The course aims to address this question through a detailed exploration and discussions of the concept of sustainability within the social context. Two main dimensions of social sustainability are identified such as equitable access and the sustainability of the community itself. During the course topics regarding the objectives of social sustainability will be covered according to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The students will familiarize with real life SD challenges illustrated by case studies. Participants of the course will explore and discuss issues concerning (but not limited to) diversity and equal opportunities, labor relations, human rights, local communities, child labor, social policy, and social assessment of suppliers.

In a course of discussions, role playing and reflection students will seek stable solutions to social sustainability problems.

The other factor inseparably connected with social dimension of SD is the social reception of the concept. Controversies, misunderstandings, lack of information and fears are obstacles that leaders of SD are often faced with. The second purpose of this course is to offer students comprehensive knowledge of challenges to social aspect of SD and knowledge of the underlying social and psychological mechanisms (e.g. bounded rationality model of decision making, not-invented-here syndrome, conformity, categorization, principles of social influence). Building upon the latest research evidence on issues related to social aspects of sustainability, students will learn how to communicate with different communities and how to take into account the standpoints of various social actors.

• Andrich, M., Imberger, J, Oxburgh, E. (2010) Raising utility and lowering risk through adaptive sustainability: society and wealth inequity in western Australia, 3/3. 14-35, DOI:10.5539/jsd.v3n3p14.

• Berlin, C. and Adams, C. (2017) Production Ergonomics: Designing Work Systems to Support Optimal Human Performance. pp. 241–258. London: Ubiquity Press.

• Colantonio, A. (2009) Social sustainability: a review and critique of traditional versus emerging themes and assessment methods

• London Scholl of Economics Research Online

http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/35867/1/Colantonio_Social_sustainability_review_2009.pdf

• Filho, W.L., Marans, R.W., Callewaert, J. (2018) Handbook of Sustainability and Social Science Research, World Sustainability Series, Springer, Cham.

• Harkins,S. G., Kipling D. W., Burger. J. (2017) The Oxford Handbook of Social Influence, Oxford University Press.

DOI:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199859870.001.0001.

• Magee, L., James, P., Scerri, A. (2012) Measuring social sustainability: a community-centred approach, Applied Research in the Quality of Life, 2012, 7/3., 2012, pp. 239–6.

• Sustainable Development Challenges, World Economic and Social Survey 2013, New York: United Nation Publication

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/2843WESS2013.pdf

• Ziaesaeidi, P. (2018) The Neighborhood-school characteristics: as an effective factor of social sustainability in neighborhood, Journal of Sustainable Development, 11/2, pp. 34-51.

DOI:10.5539/jsd.v11n2p34.

Upon completion of this course it is expected that:

- the student will be able to identify the diversified aspects of social sustainable development;

- the student will be able to anticipate, identify and understand potential challenges that sustainable development initiatives may be faced with in different communities;

- students will be prepared to address such problems and will be able to offer solutions based on the balanced and in-depth view of the sustainability in social context.

Exam (40% of final grade) - multiple choice with open questions.

Task for students (60% of final grade) - there will be several assignments to complete by students individually and at home. Additionally, two large case sessions during the semester (45-60 minutes) will be performed. Students will receive materials to read through the WZ UW website. Case study text and a synthetic description of the analytical methods that will be necessary to solve the case. During the classes, students will work in groups and answer a set of questions regarding the situation illustrated in the case study. They will also take on different roles (role playing) to develop a solution for the tasks during the discussion.

-