Theorizing Social Sustainability and Justice in Marine Spatial Planning: Democracy, Diversity, and Equity

Fred Saunders, Michael Gilek, Anda Ikauniece, Ralph Voma Tafon, Kira Gee and Jacek Zaucha
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Fred Saunders: Technology and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, Södertörn University, 141 89 Huddinge, Sweden
Michael Gilek: Technology and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, Södertörn University, 141 89 Huddinge, Sweden
Anda Ikauniece: Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, LV1007 Riga, Latvia
Ralph Voma Tafon: Technology and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, Södertörn University, 141 89 Huddinge, Sweden
Kira Gee: Technology and Environmental Studies, School of Natural Sciences, Södertörn University, 141 89 Huddinge, Sweden
Jacek Zaucha: Faculty of Economics, University of Gdańsk, 81-824 Sopot, Poland

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 6, 1-18

Abstract: This article elaborates a conceptual framework to examine social sustainability in marine spatial planning (MSP). Based on a critical literature review of key texts on social sustainability in MSP and the broader sustainable development literature we show the need to elaborate a cogent and comprehensive approach for the analysis and pursuit of social sustainability linked to the sea. We then theorize social sustainability by developing a conceptual framework through integrating three dimensions: Recognition, Representation and Distribution. While these three social sustainability/justice features clearly overlap and are interdependent in practice, the conceptual thinking underpinning each of them is distinctive and when taken together they contribute towards conceiving social sustainability as a pillar of sustainability. Our approach can support an analysis/evaluation of MSP in that, first, its broad scope and adaptability makes it suitable to examine the wide range of claims, demands, and concerns that are likely to be encountered across different practical MSP settings. Second, it acknowledges the opportunities and challenges of assessing, implementing, and achieving social justice within a broader sustainability framework.

Keywords: marine governance; social sustainability; social justice; conceptual framework; participation; representation; democracy; equity; distribution; recognition; distribution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:6:p:2560-:d:336378

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