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Social Sustainability in an Ageing Chinese Society: Towards an Integrative Conceptual Framework

Author

Listed:
  • Yafei Liu

    (Department of Human Geography and Planning, Utrecht University, 3584CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Martin Dijst

    (Department of Human Geography and Planning, Utrecht University, 3584CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Stan Geertman

    (Department of Human Geography and Planning, Utrecht University, 3584CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Can Cui

    (The Center for Modern Chinese City Studies, School of Urban and Regional Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China)

Abstract

Social sustainability is a relatively underexposed dimension of the sustainability debate. Diversified and discipline-specific study perspectives and the lack of contextualization make it difficult to gain a comprehensive understanding of social sustainability in non-Western societies. In examining the problems facing a rapidly ageing Chinese society, this paper aims to construct an integrative conceptual framework of social sustainability, taking into account the Chinese contextual interpretations and elderly population in particular. This paper proposes an integrative conceptual framework composed of two key contextualized components: well-being and social justice. Well-being, according to Lindenberg, is the ultimate goal of life and is achieved by relevant themes organized in a hierarchical system. Social justice relating to the equal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights is also significant for the achievement of well-being. Interpretations of social sustainability are explored within Chinese socio-cultural (Confucianism, collectivism), institutional (welfare regime, hukou system), and demographic (population ageing) contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Yafei Liu & Martin Dijst & Stan Geertman & Can Cui, 2017. "Social Sustainability in an Ageing Chinese Society: Towards an Integrative Conceptual Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:4:p:658-:d:96391
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