Social Well-Being
Social well-being is an end state in which basic human needs are met and people can live together peacefully in communities with opportunities for development. This end state is characterised by equitable access to and provision of basic services (water, food, shelter and health care), provision of primary and secondary education, return or resettlement of those displaced by violent conflict, and restoration of the social fabric and community life.
Social health
Social health refers to our ability to interact successfully in our global community and to meet the expectations and demands of our personal roles. This means learning good communication skills, developing intimacy with others and creating a support network of friends and family.
Social health includes showing respect for others and for yourself. Contributing to your community and the world builds a sense of belonging.
Dimensions of social well-being
Social well-being should be analysed along two main dimensions: as an effect of interpersonal relationships and in the context of community participation. Interpersonal relationships include those with family and within the household, and those with relatives and friends are particularly important. Community participation includes participation in social activities and the degree of acceptance and support from others.
Why is social welfare a necessary end state?
Peace cannot be sustained in the long term if social welfare is not addressed. Without basic necessities such as food or shelter, large-scale social instability will persist because people will not be able to resume the functions of normal life – maintaining a livelihood, travelling safely, participating in community activities or attending school.
Without assistance to return to their homes or new communities of choice, or the means to resolve disputes peacefully, people may not be able to overcome violent conflict or rebuild their lives.
