The human and the social: Asystematised comparison of the discourses of human development, human security and social quality.

Abstract

This paper presents a structured comparison of the social quality approach with the UNDP-led ‘human development’ approach and the sister work (especially in the UN system and Japan) on ‘human security’. Through clarification of their respective foci and roles and underlying theoretical and value assumptions, the paper suggests that partnership of the social quality approach with these ‘human’ approaches appears possible and relevant for each side.