Social imperatives of sustainable development

The article substantiates the need to focus on the social pillar of sustainable development (SD). Methodologically, the author considers a three-dimensional approach to SD, which is based on three pillars (dimensions): economic, ecological, and social. Traditionally, the main focus of researchers is the environmental and economic pillars, while the social pillar is studied only to a lesser extent. A reflection of this situation is the lack of a generally accepted approach to the analyzing and interpreting its social parameters, indicators and imperatives. The purpose of this paper is to define SD social imperatives and the rationale for increasing their role in ensuring sustainable development. The article extends the content of the social pillar and the concept of “SD social imperatives.” The expediency of introducing the concept of “SD social imperatives” is due, on the author’s opinion, to the presence of many factors and the ambiguous nature of their impact on the SD process. This involves phenomena and processes of a social nature, emerging risks, trends, and institutions that necessitate both the transition to SD and the possibility of implementing its basic principles. The author focuses on changes that are systemic in nature, reflecting the process of increasing the social responsibility of all participants in economic activity: the state, business, citizens, and society as a whole. Among them are: the formation of socially responsible thinking by business entities, the phenomenon of socially responsible (sustainable) consumption and the multi-subject, solidarity model of social policy; the institutionalization of corporate social responsibility; and the increasing role of universities and business schools in developing socially responsible thinking and promoting principles of social responsibility and sustainable development