Sustainability Theory: Synopsis, Concepts, Interpretations and Discourses

Abstract

Unlike the 21^st century sustainability challenges, the counter concepts, sustainability and sustainable development (SD), have been clouded by nebulousness. It is against this background that this review set-out to explore conceptual relationship between sustainability and SD; sustainability interpretations; and, SD discourses including their implications. They were explored through review of related existing literature. This was ultimately aimed at providing a comprehensive foundation for future sustainability studies in relation to context, interpretations and discourses in sustainability theory. The findings revealed that sustainability is the desired state of continued human life sustenance with SD being the means of achieving the said state. Additionally, two sustainability interpretation viewpoints were identified: extent of capital forms substitutability – radical, social democratic, liberal and neoliberal; and man-earth dominance – ecocentrism and anthropocentrism. Lastly, the consequent SD discourses identified were limits – premised on planetary carrying capacity; change – based on need for change to counter critical natural resources depletion; and, integration – premised on joint environmental and socio-economic consciousness. The above highlight the need for specificity on sustainability interpretation and SD discourses adopted in research for: enhanced clarity; and, curbing terminological misapplication and/or simplification. Additionally, the study recommends continued debate around the subject for continuous improvement of the knowledge advanced herein.