Social Development at the World Bank

Social development transforms societies by understanding the social context of the country as well as the
needs and priorities of poor people. Poor people’s own voices tell us that poverty is more than low
income - it is also about vulnerability, exclusion and isolation, poor governance, and powerlessness.
People's priorities and experiences are affected by such variables as gender, social exclusion, intra-
household allocation of resources, incidence of crime and violence, geographical location, access to
networks of support, and relations with those in power. By capturing different dimensions of poverty, a
multidisciplinary approach can deepen our understanding of poverty and the lives of the poor.

As such, social development aims to promote the transformation of subjects and beneficiaries into
citizens by fostering an enabling, accessible, responsive, and accountable state. This requires:

 policies that recognize and advance the universal rights and responsibilities of citizens, and
strengthen the capacity of citizens to claim their rights;

 a recognition and celebration of multiculturalism as a source of strength for societies;

 support for policies that accommodate diversity in the achievement of universal rights; and,

 an understanding of the role of power relations, and the importance of creating institutional
mechanisms that offer redress against power inequities.

The global community has affirmed its commitment to social development in several forums, including the
World Summit on Social Development, the Millennium Summit, and the International Forum on Social
Science-Policy Nexus. Further, many regional bodies, such as the South Asia Association for Regional
Cooperation and the Africa Development Forum, have confirmed their support for social development as
essential to reducing poverty. World Bank policies, strategies and operational documents reflect a similar
commitment.

To reduce poverty and reach the Millennium Development Goals, the World Bank adopted a
comprehensive approach that promotes economic growth, improves services and strengthens institutions.
Social development is a crucial component of this approach. With the goal of empowering poor and
marginalized women and men, social development is a process of transforming institutions for greater
inclusion, cohesion and accountability. The World Bank’s Social Development Strategy emphasizes that
overcoming poverty is about more than getting economic policies right, it is also about empowering
people by creating more inclusive, cohesive, and accountable societies.

 Inclusive institutions promote equal access to opportunities, enabling everyone to contribute

to social and economic progress and share in its rewards.

 Cohesive societies enable women and men to work together to address common needs, overcome
constraints and consider diverse interests.

 Accountable institutions are transparent and respond to the public interest in an effective,
efficient and fair way.

Reviews undertaken by the Operations Evaluation Department and the Quality Assurance Group at the
World Bank and by other organizations found that social development inputs not only improve social
development outcomes but also improve the overall success and quality of projects and programs. As
such, social development promotes:

 Better growth – Social development is a precondition for sustained, equitable growth. Where
the benefits of growth are more widely shared, societies tend to be more stable and peaceful;

 Better projects and policies– Where projects and policies build on local contexts and include
people, they are more likely to be owned and sustained;

 Better quality of life – If citizens are able to participate and feel that they have a greater
stake, development interventions are more effective.