A policy framework for social sustainability: Social cohesion, equity and safety

The purpose of our paper is to characterize the social pillar using the three criteria of social cohesion, equity and safety. Alongside this characterization we develop a policy framework to promote social sustainability, which has been the subject of much academic interest in recent years. In addition, we demonstrate that the social sustainability policies we advocate are capable of embracing environmental sustainability. Our work therefore provides a fresh perspective on sustainable development policies by emphasizing the importance of the social pillar to the policy making process.