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Planning for Urban Social Sustainability: Towards a Human-Centred Operational Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Céline Janssen

    (Management in the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Tom A. Daamen

    (Management in the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Co Verdaas

    (Management in the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands)

Abstract

In Europe, growing concerns about social segregation and social stability have pushed calls to make cities ‘inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’ higher on policy agendas. However, how to approach such generic policy objectives and operationalise them for planning practices is still largely unclear. This article makes a conceptual contribution to the operational understanding of social sustainability in urban planning practices. The article argues that, between theoretical concept and operational forms, different evaluative approaches towards social sustainability may be taken. Evaluating three dimensions of policy operationalisations in The Netherlands, we argue that Amartya Sen’s capability approach provides a promising conceptual framework for operationalising social sustainability in cities in Europe and beyond. We compare capabilities with a more commonly applied resource-based conception to show that the former is more accurate and potentially more effective, because it shifts the evaluative space of social sustainability from means (i.e., urban resources) to ends: the eventual well-being of urban citizens.

Suggested Citation

  • Céline Janssen & Tom A. Daamen & Co Verdaas, 2021. "Planning for Urban Social Sustainability: Towards a Human-Centred Operational Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:9083-:d:613873
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Céline Janssen & Tom A Daamen & Wouter J Verheul, 2024. "Governing capabilities, not places – how to understand social sustainability implementation in urban development," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 61(2), pages 331-349, February.

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