Constructing an analytical definition of social sustainability for the maritime industry: a systematic literature review

Academic and practical professional discourse regarding the future of the maritime industry frequently refers to “sustainable development” and “sustainability,” both of which exhibit a complex interrelation of economic, environmental, and social aspects. However, while significant work has been done...

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Main Authors: Alina Prylipko, Michael Ekow Manuel
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Sustainability: Science, Practice, & Policy
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15487733.2025.2472466
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author Alina Prylipko
Michael Ekow Manuel
author_facet Alina Prylipko
Michael Ekow Manuel
author_sort Alina Prylipko
collection DOAJ
description Academic and practical professional discourse regarding the future of the maritime industry frequently refers to “sustainable development” and “sustainability,” both of which exhibit a complex interrelation of economic, environmental, and social aspects. However, while significant work has been done to understand the environmental and economic dimensions, there is little clarity or consensus regarding the social aspects of sustainability, especially in specific contexts. For example, the definition of social sustainability in the maritime industry, as well as the associated elements and targets, remain unclear. Although both researchers and practitioners have explored social sustainability from various perspectives in maritime literature, there is a notable lack of consistency in its analytical approaches and frameworks. Using a systematic literature review, this article examines the current understanding of social sustainability in the maritime industry. We contend that a better definition of the construct of social sustainability will enhance policy- and decision-making in the maritime industry with respect to sustainable development.
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spelling doaj-art-749751e890244347ae3643acc689fceb2025-08-20T03:10:39ZengTaylor & Francis GroupSustainability: Science, Practice, & Policy1548-77332025-12-0121110.1080/15487733.2025.2472466Constructing an analytical definition of social sustainability for the maritime industry: a systematic literature reviewAlina Prylipko0Michael Ekow Manuel1World Maritime University, Malmö, SwedenWorld Maritime University, Malmö, SwedenAcademic and practical professional discourse regarding the future of the maritime industry frequently refers to “sustainable development” and “sustainability,” both of which exhibit a complex interrelation of economic, environmental, and social aspects. However, while significant work has been done to understand the environmental and economic dimensions, there is little clarity or consensus regarding the social aspects of sustainability, especially in specific contexts. For example, the definition of social sustainability in the maritime industry, as well as the associated elements and targets, remain unclear. Although both researchers and practitioners have explored social sustainability from various perspectives in maritime literature, there is a notable lack of consistency in its analytical approaches and frameworks. Using a systematic literature review, this article examines the current understanding of social sustainability in the maritime industry. We contend that a better definition of the construct of social sustainability will enhance policy- and decision-making in the maritime industry with respect to sustainable development.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15487733.2025.2472466Social sustainabilitysocial pillarsustainable developmentshippingmaritimesystematic literature review
spellingShingle Alina Prylipko
Michael Ekow Manuel
Constructing an analytical definition of social sustainability for the maritime industry: a systematic literature review
Sustainability: Science, Practice, & Policy
Social sustainability
social pillar
sustainable development
shipping
maritime
systematic literature review
title Constructing an analytical definition of social sustainability for the maritime industry: a systematic literature review
title_full Constructing an analytical definition of social sustainability for the maritime industry: a systematic literature review
title_fullStr Constructing an analytical definition of social sustainability for the maritime industry: a systematic literature review
title_full_unstemmed Constructing an analytical definition of social sustainability for the maritime industry: a systematic literature review
title_short Constructing an analytical definition of social sustainability for the maritime industry: a systematic literature review
title_sort constructing an analytical definition of social sustainability for the maritime industry a systematic literature review
topic Social sustainability
social pillar
sustainable development
shipping
maritime
systematic literature review
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15487733.2025.2472466
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