4 Social Justice: Crises and Solutions

Introduction

With so much attention being devoted to economic development in our present materialistic world, the human side of sustainability, its social dimension, is often neglected. Our world has become polarized between the economic and the social, the political right and left, as if we had to choose one or the other. Sustainable development tries to bring all aspects of the issue together as complementary aspects of a whole that is human development. Social sustainability requires adequate institutions of governance, participation, an efficient legal system, strong involvement of civil society, and elimination of social inequalities, particularly concerning women who are often central actors in achieving sustainability. Today, with the spread of information technologies and social media, youth are being empowered in new and exciting ways that challenge existing social and political systems.

Discussion

1. What are some of the principles of social organization that can guide society to a more sustainable course?
2. Why is it important to consider the spiritual dimension in social development?
3. Can violence and war be considered a symptom of unsustainability?
Keep these discussion questions in mind when studying the unit's material.

Human capital

People are what development is all about, yet too often we seem to sacrifice people for the benefit of the economic system. This results in social conflict and even terrorism. Putting our human capital back at the center of development concerns is one step toward sustainability.

Reading 1: The Eco Principle, chapter 7: Human capital (pp. 97-130)

This chapter reviews the place of people in sustainable development and the importance of values, knowledge, and education in the development of human beings. Where it refers to an eco, think in terms of a system.

The social component is an important part of the Sustainable Development Goals, yet progress on them is mixed, and for some we are actually going backwards. A TED talk by Michael Green uses the Social Progress Index to assess where we stand on the social (not environmental) SDGs, 30 November 2018.

Watch: The global goals we have made progress on – and the ones we haven't, 14:11 

The foundation of social action is at the community level

This is also the level at which we have the best chance to make an impact, since we are looking at action among friends and neighbors. The Global Solidarity Conversations aim to bring people from all backgrounds and all political spectrums together, to build social cohesion in societies often divided, to consult about the needs of their communities or neighborhoods and to assist them in bringing about transformational social change. 

Cities and communities can provide solutions to the sustainable development challenges Sustainable Development in Cities

Reading 2:  Global Solidarity Conversations (15 pages, but not a heavy read)

The objectives of these conversations are to heighten and broaden the consciousness of all participants about the various problems of the community and to develop and nurture a deep sense of solidarity that will enable determined and effective actions necessary for fundamental change.

Perhaps you can use these materials in discussions with those around you, in your religious community, in your neighborhood, or at town meetings. They may also be a helpful tool to use in your efforts to engage in public discourse.

Together with the wider community, the Baha'i-inspired International Environment has discussed Global Solidarity Accountability.

Watch a presentation of the Global Solidarity Accounting made early 2023.

Below is a more recent review of the global accountability event that took place during the 27th International Environment Forum conference in September 2023 with reports for each presentation and discussions including on Global Solidarity Accountability: Values for Well-being

Women and Sustainability

At a time when gender balance is an increasing priority, it can be interesting to explore the important role that women have played in pushing the world to see the importance of the environment and sustainability. Here are the profiles of some of those women.

Watch video: Women and Sustainability (31 minutes) The content of the video as a pdf document.

Indigenous and Local Communities

Indigenous and local communities can play a key role in sustainable development. With their traditional knowledge, they are often able to protect and maintain natural resources, biodiversity and their ecosystems. They contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation. There are 5 reasons why they hold the key to the planets future: here. 

Spiritual Values

Spiritual values provide the context and guidance for the next stage in our social development. There are many Baha'i texts that can help us to put social problems in a spiritual framework.

Reading 3: Bahá'í Quotations on Social Sustainability
1. Nature and purpose of human life
2. Unity
3. Humanity's place in the natural world
4. Material civilization
5. Governance
6. Gender
7. Knowledge, science and technology
8. Education
9. Religion
10. Cultural transformation - the Bahá'í approach

Watch: Green Economy and Sustainable Development: Bringing Back the Social 9:55

This video opens our perspective to the many different aspects of sustainable development, emphasizing the social component.

Resources for Unit 4

This file of voluntary resources includes a profound essay about a Baha'i-inspired disaster response and a brief documentary video about the resilience of the population in Tanna, Vanuatu, after hurricane Pam. You will also find links to UNDP Human Development Reports, book recommendations, and some videos including a TED talk on economic reality.

Resources for Unit 4

Go to Unit 5