Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Paradigmasının Dönüşümü: SKA’ların Teorik Temelleri, Eleştirel İçkin Gerilimler ve Bilimsel Etkisi

The Transformation of the Sustainable Development Paradigm: Theoretical Foundations, Critical Intrinsic Tensions, and Scientific Impact of the SDGs

Bilal Kargi

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: This paper aims to analyze in depth, from a critical perspective, the theoretical and conceptual transformation of the sustainable development paradigm embodied in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study not only examines the conceptual foundations shaped by the Brundtland Report (1987) from a historical perspective, but also discusses how the transition from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the SDGs represents an epistemological leap and proposes a new governance mindset. The principles of “universality,” “integrality,” and “leaving no one behind” within the SDG framework are systematically examined to see how they radically reshape fundamental concepts in development theory (growth, prosperity, progress, justice) and what inherent tensions they contain in this process. This article, employing a conceptual analysis and theoretical discussion method, addresses key theoretical criticisms of the SDG perspective along four main axes (green growth/non-growth debates regarding the growth-sustainability paradox, operational and measurability challenges, the dilemmas of multi-stakeholder governance, global political economy, and a critique of justice), accompanied by a broad review of contemporary literature. Furthermore, the transformative methodological impact of the SDGs on scientific research practice – shifts from interdisciplinarity to transdisciplinary approaches, from systems dynamics to new data ecosystems – is detailed. Ultimately, it demonstrates that the SDGs go beyond being mere policy tools, offering a vibrant and contentious scientific paradigm poised to transform the epistemological foundations, methodological toolkits, and normative framework of development studies. However, the future and scientific legitimacy of this paradigm will depend on its capacity to acknowledge the inherent tensions, particularly those centered around the “growth-sustainability” paradox, to courageously address global justice issues, and to lead a radical governance transformation.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Paradigm Shift; Growth-Sustainability Paradox; Green Growth; Degrowth; Post-Growth; Circular Economy; Critical Development Studies; Transdisciplinarity; Systems Thinking; Governance; Global Justice. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F60 F63 F68 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-12-30
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