The Current Social Quality Perspective

The Social Quality Perspective is a framework that aims to bridge the gap between different disciplines and create new global political strategies that enhance human dignity, sustainability, and social cohesion. The full article can be found on Basic Principles, below summarized version:

A Comprehensive Approach to Social Change

IASQ’s four-framework model addresses key global challenges:

  1. Communication technologies – their influence on social structures and interactions.
  2. Welfare and well-being – ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
  3. Urbanization – managing the growing complexities of modern cities.
  4. Sustainability – integrating environmental concerns with social and economic policies.

By analyzing the interconnectedness of these domains, IASQ advocates for a more integrated and effective approach to social development.

Moving Beyond Fragmented Thinking

One of the biggest challenges in tackling global issues is the fragmentation of human sciences. Social quality theory seeks to unify different perspectives, overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches such as social capital, quality of life, and human security, which often fail to account for the complexity of societal relationships.

At the core of this theory is the concept of ‘the social’, defined as the dynamic balance between individual self-realization and collective identity formation. This concept, inspired by Aristotelian principles, provides a deeper understanding of how societies evolve and function.

From Theory to Action: The Amsterdam Declaration

The Amsterdam Declaration on Social Quality (1997), signed by over 1,000 academics and presented to the European Parliament, was the first major step in promoting a new vision of social progress. It called for policies that prioritize human dignity, social inclusion, and equal access to welfare.

Since then, IASQ has expanded its research worldwide, including in Japan, China, India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, to explore how the social quality framework can be applied across different cultural and political contexts.

A New Perspective on Sustainability

Traditional sustainability models focus on three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. However, IASQ proposes a four-dimensional approach, which includes:

  • Socioeconomic & financial aspects
  • Sociopolitical & legal frameworks
  • Sociocultural & welfare considerations
  • Socioenvironmental & ecological sustainability

This expanded model helps policymakers better address pressing global issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and urban development.

Shaping the Future: A Call for Action

IASQ’s work emphasizes the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we approach social development and sustainability. Whether through urbanization policies, ecological consciousness, or new governance strategies, the Social Quality Perspective provides a roadmap for creating societies that are more just, sustainable, and resilient.

By bridging disciplines, fostering collaboration, and promoting comprehensive policymaking, IASQ is paving the way for a future where social quality becomes the foundation of global strategies.

See “Basic Principles”

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