Social Dynamics and Sustainability Suzanne Hanchett, Ph.D. Planning Alternatives for Change LLC Presentation to International Congress of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences, Manchester University, August 2013

MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDG) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Achieve universal primary education Promote gender equality and empower women Reduce child mortality Improve maternal health Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases Ensure environmental sustainability Develop a global partnership for development SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG): 2013 SDSN draft proposal End extreme poverty including hunger Achieve development within planetary boundaries Ensure effective learning for all children and youth for life and livelihood Achieve gender equality, social inclusion, and human rights Achieve health and wellbeing at all ages Improve agriculture systems and raise rural prosperity Empower inclusive, productive and resilient cities Curb human-induced climate change and ensure clean energy for all Secure ecosystem services, biodiversity and good management of natural resources Transform governance for sustainable development

The Dominant View: Society-Economy-Environment as Three Aspects of the “Sustainability “ Project (from Eichler 1999)

Alternative View: Biosphere + Human System (Eichler 1999)

“Social sustainability” occurs when formal and informal social processes, systems, structures, and relationships “actively support the capacity of current and future generations to create healthy and livable communities.” 1 (Emma Partridge 2005, citing WACOSS 2002) 1Partridge identifies six criteria defining social sustainability: quality of life, equity, inclusion, access, a futures focus, and participatory processes.

Some of Social Anthropology’s Potential Contributions to Sustainability Research & Thinking Holistic perspective Analysis of social dynamics Empathy with and explanation of indigenous world views Flexibility in social problem solving Practical fieldwork skills that can support New modes of involvement of socially excluded groups Evaluation studies

A Page on the 2013 Website of Bangladesh Water Development Board

Arsenic-contaminated Hand –pumped Tubewell, Bangladesh

The Pond Sand Filter

Social Sciences Physical Sci., Biology, Engineering Social Anthro. Sociology Cultural Geography Political Sci. Public Health Economics New Types of Interdisciplinary Collaboration Are Needed:

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