Integrating social sustainability into research projects: practical considerations

Concerns about sustainability are growing, but social sustainability remains overshadowed by discussions on ecological and economic sustainability. Scientific discourses on social sustainability stress its imprecise definition and underdetermined character. Due to this lack of clarity, numerous alternative definitions and uses coexist alongside each other. Researchers are trying to rectify this situation through theoretical considerations and this article examines the application of social sustainability in specific projects. It presents the results of two focus groups conducted at a university in Finland: one discussed why researchers incorporate social sustainability into their research and the other explored why they do not. Thematic analyses of these discussions reveal that researchers approach the concept of social sustainability in varying ways. While some consider the topicality and broad relevance of this concept to be reasons for including it in their research, others draw the opposite conclusion. Moreover, some researchers view the lack of a clear definition as an obstacle, while others see it as a benefit for their research. However, the challenges in measuring social sustainability and integrating it harmoniously with other research topics generally prevent it from being incorporated into research projects. In contrast, a perceived moral obligation to improve society more generally might lead to its inclusion. Interestingly, the requirements of funding agencies and scientific journals play a significant role in determining whether social sustainability is considered in research. These entities can utilize these circumstances to advance social sustainability in research agendas and improve the contributions of research for the public good.