Social Development

Social development is about putting people at the centre of development. This means a commitment that development processes need to benefit people, particularly but not only the poor, but also a recognition that people, and the way they interact in groups and society, and the norms that facilitates such interaction, shape development processes.

Poverty is more than low income – it is also about vulnerability, exclusion, unaccountable institutions, and exposure to violence. Social development promotes social inclusion of the poor and vulnerable by empowering people, building cohesive and resilient societies, and making institutions accessible and accountable to citizens.

Established sets of norms, behaviours, and conventions that pattern human interaction are referred as social institutions. These often unwritten norms and conventions govern human interaction, and are determining relations between people. Norms of non-discrimination against groups based on ethnicity, language, or gender are examples of social institutions, as are norms of criminal behaviour and about civic activism. Social development thus implies the change in social institutions. Progress toward an inclusive society, for example, implies that individuals treat each other fairly in their daily lives, whether in the family, workplace, or in public office.

Social cohesion is enhanced when peaceful and safe environment within neighbourhoods and communities are created. Social accountability exists to the extent that citizens’ voices are expressed, and heard by the authorities. Formal institutional reform, the provision of legally enshrined rights, better law enforcement, or more participatory governance are part of the process by which institutional change is achieved. Changing the way people relate to people is an equally important part of this process.

Working with governments, communities, civil society, and the private sector, Social Development translates the complex relationship between societies and states into operations. Empirical evidence and operational experience show that social development promotes economic growth and leads to better interventions and a higher quality of life.