Practical Introduction to Social Sustainability

About

Social sustainability is an aspect of sustainable development that is at the same time connected to multiple academic disciplines and to everyone’s everyday life and is thus relevant for almost every and any student.

It is simultaneously theoretically intriguing and practical. This course explores the basic theoretical underpinnings of social sustainability and puts them to practical use. Learning about social sustainability enables students to better understand the connection between their field of study, society, and sustainability.

Participants are encouraged to personally reflect on what their professional role in a sustainable society can be.

Methods

Lectures, group work, project work, presentations.

Date: 1 August – 30 August. Contact teaching in Turku 4-15 August 2025. The start and finish of the course is completed online.

Course leader

Åbo Akademi University

Target group

Undergraduate students who have completed at least of two years of Bachelor’s studies in any field. Graduate and postgraduate students are also welcome.

Course aim

After the course, the student will be able to

- Discuss what social sustainability is and how it relates to other aspects of sustainability.
- Argue for the relevance of social sustainability.
- Use different indicators to assess social sustainability.
- Describe the policies and actions that affect social sustainability.
- Understand the connection between social sustainability and resilience.

Fee info