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Principles for social impact assessment: A critical comparison between the international and US documents

Journal Article · · Environmental Impact Assessment Review
 [1]
  1. Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 98, Hobart, Tasmania 7001 (Australia)

The 'International Principles for Social Impact Assessment' and the 'Principles and Guidelines for Social Impact Assessment in the USA', both developed under the auspices of the International Association for Impact Assessment and published in 2003, are compared. Major differences in the definition and approach to social impact assessment (SIA) are identified. The US Principles and Guidelines is shown to be positivist/technocratic while the International Principles is identified as being democratic, participatory and constructivist. Deficiencies in both documents are identified. The field of SIA is changing to go beyond the prevention of negative impacts, to include issues of building social capital, capacity building, good governance, community engagement and social inclusion.

OSTI ID:
20783315
Journal Information:
Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 26; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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