Social Sustainability in German — 2015 to Present

In 2015, when the refugee crisis made its way to Germany, the country positioned itself as a leader in social sustainability, taking pride in its acceptance of refugees. In the wake of this migration, the country has made significant strides towards integration but there are still major steps towards social sustainability that remain to be seen. Improving fairness of opportunity, distribution of social services and gender equity will allow Germany to continue to be at the forefront of the world’s social sustainability efforts.

Fairness of Opportunity: One of the critical aspects of social sustainability is ensuring that all members of society have an equal opportunity to succeed. Germany can address this by providing more support for education and training programs for refugees and immigrants. This will enable them to acquire the necessary skills to find meaningful employment. Additionally, the government can also encourage companies to hire refugees and immigrants by providing incentives and subsidies.

Equal Distribution of Social Services: Another crucial factor in social sustainability is ensuring that all members of society have access to social services such as healthcare, housing, and childcare. Germany can address this by increasing its investment in social services, particularly in areas where refugees and immigrants are concentrated. This will help to alleviate the burden on local communities and ensure that everyone has access to the necessary essential services.

Gender Equity: Germany is one of the world leaders in in terms of gender equity, but there is still work to be done. To continue improving gender equity in Germany, the government can implement policies that promote gender equality, particularly in the workplace. This can include measures such as pay equity, flexible working hours, and affordable childcare. The government can also encourage companies to adopt diversity and inclusion policies that promote gender equity.