Evolution and Sustainability: What Is It Difference?

Abstract

This article is devoted to the fundamental interdisciplinary problems of evolution and sustainability. From a contemporary standpoint, the author assesses the persisting notions of social and, in particular, economic evolution. An appropriate alternative to these notions presents the framework concept of integrative sustainable development, enshrined in the UN Agenda 2030. Based on the recognized integrative vision of the sustainability problem, it is advisable to extend this concept to the entire process of transformation of society as a social system. It can be named sustainable overall social transformation (SOST). The fundamental properties of SOST and the role of key actors in its provision are revealed. As follows from the study, the current implementation of SOST will be largely associated with non-evolutionary changes. The final conclusion concerns the substantial difference between the sustainable and the preferable evolutionary trajectories of the overall social transformation in the long run.

Received: 4 August 2021 / Accepted: 6 October 2021 / Published: 5 November 2021