This project is funded through the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Sustainable Social Market Economies programme.
The project "Sustainable Governance Indicators" introduces a transformative approach to understanding and measuring social justice, tailored to the needs of 21st-century post-industrial societies. It emphasizes securing well-being over the life course by addressing both old and emerging social risks. The framework aims to "de-cluster" disadvantages by providing comprehensive social protection and capacitation in core areas such as health, education, housing, and income. This ensures that individuals are equipped to overcome inequalities and lead self-determined lives, addressing not only material deprivation but also the broader capabilities that contribute to a fulfilling life.
This new conceptualisation builds on extensive research by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and integrates insights from welfare state studies and political philosophy. It places individual well-being and agency at the core of social justice, focusing on the interconnectedness of the challenges people face. By combining social protection, such as social insurance, with capacitation efforts that enhance individuals’ capabilities in key areas, this approach aims to break the cycle of compounded disadvantages, including intergenerational poverty and social exclusion. Drawing on the works of scholars like John Rawls, Amartya Sen, and others, the project stresses the importance of ensuring access to basic needs, opportunities for social inclusion, and promoting equal social standing for all.
The project also envisions a comprehensive Social Justice Index (SJI) that will track key indicators across various stages of the life course, assessing both outcomes and contextual factors. This index will capture a range of data points, including childhood poverty, educational attainment, income inequality, unemployment, and gender disparities. It will also account for policy interventions, such as access to quality childcare, education, and social services, that help mitigate disadvantages and promote social justice. Additionally, the index will measure intergenerational sustainability conditions, including fiscal sustainability, climate efforts, and innovation, ensuring that social justice is not only achieved but maintained over time. The key deliverables of this project include:
- Conceptualisation of social justice in 21st century: The theoretical framework for the updated Social Justice Index, outlining its core principles and dimensions.
- Draft of the updated Social Justice Index: A preliminary version of the index, incorporating new indicators and methodologies to measure and evaluate social justice effectively.
- Final report: The revised version of the Social Justice Index after receiving feedback from stakeholders and experts, providing a refined tool for assessing social justice across OECD and EU countries.
By combining these elements, the project aims to provide a dynamic and comprehensive tool for assessing and advancing social justice across OECD and EU countries, offering valuable insights into the long-term sustainability of just and resilient societies.