Review of the current theoretical situation of social sustainability

Abstract

From a triple bottom line perspective, clean production is responsible for the environmental footprint but also takes care of the economic and social footprint. We have grown in the theoretical understanding of the three circles of sustainability, although the social circle has been the least attended. The aim of this article is to analyse the current theoretical state of social sustainability. A systematic review of 107 articles on social sustainability from 1995 to date was conducted. The analytical and conceptual methodology based on criteria theoretical review of the literature. In the findings are distinguished four approaches in study of social sustainability: community, urban, human development and corporate. There are epistemological and theoretical disagreements. Useful conceptual frameworks have been created and applied, albeit with an environmental and bias. Future lines of research and implications are proposed for each of the four found.