Emerging Trends in Social Sustainability in the Manufacturing Supply Chain

Social sustainability has emerged as a critical dimension within supply chain management, reflecting the growing recognition of ethical, social, and human rights considerations alongside economic and environmental concerns. This paper investigates the evolving landscape of social sustainability practices in global manufacturing supply chains, driven by intensified social awareness, regulatory frameworks, and pressures from international organizations such as the United Nations and the International Labour Organization. Employing a mixed-method approach that integrates systematic content analysis of recent peer-reviewed literature, examination of secondary data sources, and empirical insights from field surveys, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of current practices, enablers, and barriers in promoting social sustainability. The findings reveal a marked increase in corporate responsibility initiatives aimed at improving labor conditions, ensuring fair trade compliance, safeguarding workforce safety, and fostering inclusive stakeholder engagement. Key strengths identified include the integration of social audits, supplier capacity building, and transparent reporting mechanisms. However, significant challenges persist, such as inconsistent enforcement of labor standards across regions, complexities in multi-tier supply chains, and balancing cost competitiveness with ethical obligations. Furthermore, the research highlights emerging trends including the adoption of blockchain technology for traceability, collaborative multi-stakeholder governance models, and the rising influence of consumer activism on corporate social policies. This paper concludes by outlining strategic recommendations for manufacturing firms, policymakers, and researchers to advance social sustainability through innovative governance frameworks, capacity enhancement

کلیدواژه ها:

Social Sustainability ، Supply Chain Management ، Corporate Social Responsibility