Redefining Progress Towards Inclusive Societies: Social Sustainability at the Intersection of Economy and Policy

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the concept of sustainability has evolved beyond environmental concerns to include crucial social dimensions. Social sustainability has become a key area of research within the broader sustainability science agenda. At the same time, human well-being is increasingly recognized as both a goal and a metric of sustainable development, requiring integrated approaches that transcend disciplinary boundaries. 

This Special Issue of Sustainability will investigate the multifaceted relationship between social sustainability and human well-being, emphasizing the crucial roles played by economic systems, public policy, and societal structures. In the face of persistent global challenges, such as socio-economic inequalities, demographic changes, environmental crises, and political instability, it is increasingly vital to understand how to foster inclusive, equitable, and resilient societies that prioritize human flourishing. 

In this Special Issue, we invite original research articles and reviews that explore how economic models, governance frameworks, and social dynamics interact to shape outcomes related to well-being. Contributions may address a broad range of topics, including (but not limited to) social justice and equity, access to health and education, decent work, community resilience, inclusive urban and rural development, participatory decision-making, and the integration of well-being indicators into sustainability assessments. 

Submissions from interdisciplinary perspectives are particularly welcome, as are studies focusing on diverse geographic contexts. This Special Issue will enable a deeper understanding of how to align economic and policy agendas to achieve social sustainability and long-term human well-being. 

We look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Rosanna Cataldo
Prof. Dr. Maria Gabriella Grassia
Dr. Viktoriya Voytsekhovska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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