@article{fdi:010094826,
  title = {{S}ocial justice : the missing link in sustainable development},
  author = {{B}allet, {J}. and {B}azin, {D}. and {T}homas, {F}r{\'e}d{\'e}ric and {M}ahieu, {F}. {R}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{G}overnments, civil society groups, and international organisations actively raise awareness about major environmental risks and work to mitigate them. {I}n practice, however, sustainable development tends to be approached in stages: first by addressing the economic dimension, followed by the environmental, and finally, the social dimension. {W}e argue that this sequencing reflects an inherent bias in how the importance of each dimension is perceived, with the social dimension consistently being undervalued. {H}istorically, the social dimension of sustainable development has been predominantly associated with poverty alleviation and basic needs satisfaction. {W}hile essential, this narrow interpretation fails to capture the broader social issues at stake, such as inequality, vulnerability, and social cohesion. {I}n this conceptual review, we revisit the place of the social dimension within sustainability frameworks, based on an extensive analysis of the scientific literature on sustainability, environmental justice, and social policies. {W}e challenge the prevailing notion that the social dimension has often been reduced to poverty and is detrimental to natural resources. {I}nstead, we propose that sustainable development must shift towards a model of socially sustainable development. {O}ur approach builds on a capabilities-based understanding of social justice, which highlights the importance of enhancing individual and collective capacities to act and thrive within their environment. {I}t is therefore essential to move beyond the outdated view that economics and environmental protection are in conflict. {I}nstead, we must frame the environment as a matter of human justice, where the social dimension is given its rightful importance. {I}n this context, we present three key pillars of analysis - equity, safety, and social cohesion - to renew the sustainability debate and mitigate the disruptions caused by imbalances between the dimensions.},
  keywords = {environmental policy ; inequalities ; social acceptability ; social justice ; sustainability ; {Q}01 ; {L}31},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{E}nvironmental {M}anagement},
  volume = {[{E}arly access]},
  numero = {},
  pages = {[8 p.]},
  ISSN = {0364-152{X}},
  year = {2025},
  DOI = {10.1007/s00267-025-02229-8},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010094826},
}