Key Concepts

Social Policy has done considerable policy work in the areas of Quality of Life, Social Sustainability and Social Development, including preliminary work related to the development of a Social Development Plan.

On this page we provide some of the key points associated with each concept.

 

A Definition of Quality of Life

Quality of Life is the sum of factors that contribute to the social, environmental and economic well-being of citizens.

Quality of life is enhanced and reinforced in municipalities that:

• Enable residents to meet their basic needs;
• Promote a fair and equitable sharing of common resources;
• Develop and maintain a vibrant local economy;
• Protect and enhance the natural and built environment;
• Offer opportunities for the attainment of personal goals, hopes or aspirations;
• Support rich, social interactions and the inclusion of all residents in community life.

This definition acknowledges that the quality of life in any given municipality is influenced by interrelated factors such as: affordable, appropriate housing; civic engagement; community and social infrastructure; education; employment; the local economy; the natural environment; personal and community health; personal financial security; and personal safety.

Quality of life, as a concept, is highly subjective. It is dependent on the values and beliefs of the people doing the measuring, and is often heavily influenced by comparisons with similar people in similar circumstances. The list of six determinants of QOL, which are in the definition, is derived from extensive research done by a number of organizations in Canada and reflect the key components for quality of life as expressed by ordinary Canadian residents. Note that no single factor or indicator can adequately capture the essence of QOL—it is truly the sum of the parts.

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Social Sustainability

Social sustainability can be understood to be made up of three required components and four guiding principles. The three components of social sustainability are (1) basic needs, (2) individual or human capacity and (3) social or community capacity.

Basic needs of residents can continue to be met through:

Appropriate, affordable housing, with flexibility to meet changing needs - the needs of those on low and moderate incomes, the needs of those with special circumstances such as physical and mental illness, and the needs of all as they age

• Appropriate, affordable health care available in the community
• Locally produced, nutritious food that is affordable
• Jobs that enable people to be productive and utilize their skills and abilities
• Sufficient income for people to be able to financially support themselves and their families
• Safe communities and workplaces

Individual or human capacity can be maintained and enhanced through:

• Opportunities to develop and upgrade skills
• A variety of local employment opportunities throughout the region
• Opportunities to develop and make use of creativity and artistic expression
• Appropriate, affordable formal and informal life-long learning
• Appropriate, affordable recreation, leisure and cultural facilities and programs
• A range of opportunities for individuals to contribute to the health and well-being of the community

Social or community capacity can be maintained and enhanced through:

• Support and encouragement for community economic development
• Community “identity” is reflective of community diversity
• Involvement in public processes and their results, and in government
• Opportunities and places for social interaction throughout the community
• Opportunities, resources and venues for a variety of arts, cultural and community activities
• Support and encouragement for community organizations and networks

Guiding Principles of Social Sustainability

There are four guiding principles that are referred to in the definition and direct socially sustainable work. They are described as follows:

Equity – when individuals have access to sufficient resources to participate fully in their community and have opportunities for personal development and advancement and there is a fair distribution of resources among communities to facilitate full participation and collaboration. Inequities can be minimized by recognizing that individuals and groups require differing levels of support in order to flourish, and that some individuals and groups are capable of contributing more than others to address disparities and promote fairness of distribution. Lower levels of disparity in societies result in longer life expectancies, less homicides and crime, stronger patterns of civic engagement and more robust economic vitality.

Social inclusion and interaction – both the right and the opportunity to participate in and enjoy all aspects of community life and interact with other community members; where the environment enables individuals to celebrate their diversity and react and act on their responsibilities. Social exclusion limits the levels of involvement and impedes optimal healthy development of individuals and the community as a whole.

Security - individuals and communities have economic security and have confidence that they live in safe, supportive and healthy environments. People need to feel safe and secure in order to contribute fully to their own well being or engage fully in community life.

Adaptability – resiliency for both individuals and communities and the ability to respond appropriately and creatively to change. Adaptability is a process of building upon what already exists, and learning from and building upon experiences from both within and outside the community.

» Additional info on the City of Vancouver’s approach to Social Sustainability
» View the Council report on the definition of Social Sustainability (PDF)

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Social Development

Like Quality of Life and Social Sustainability, Social Development is a broad-reaching concept. To some, Social Development

...encompasses a commitment to individual well-being and volunteerism, and the opportunity for citizens to determine their own needs and to influence decisions which affect them. Social development incorporates public concerns in developing social policy and economic initiatives. (Community Services Council of Newfoundland & Labrador)

And at the international level Social Development

...covers four main areas that relate to the 1995 United Nations Copenhagen Social Summit: 1) poverty eradication and employment 2) intergovernmental support service and implementation 3) socio-economic policy and development management 4) social integration. (United Nations Division for Social Policy & Development)

The United Nations states that social development’s ultimate goal is to “improve and enhance quality of life for all people.”  But what does this mean at the local level?

The City of Vancouver is frequently cited as having a quality of life better than almost any other city on earth.  And yet, some of Vancouver’s citizens are not sharing in the benefits of the city and its natural, economic and social wealth.  This fact is recognized by local government, many local non-profits and service agencies (including, notably, the Vancouver Foundation and the United Way of the Lower Mainland), and most importantly, by the citizens of Vancouver themselves.

In 2005-2007, Social Policy staff completed preliminary work related to the development of a potential Social Development Plan for the City of Vancouver. Two Council reports on this topic are available for download from the Publications and More Information page.

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