La sostenibilità sociale alla prova dello stato di emergenza. Quale futuro?

This paper aims to critically explore the various dimensions of sustainability during the covid- 19 pandemic. The state of emergency has intensified and exacerbated the call for sustainable actions in terms of digitalization and green economy. In contrast to the functionalistic model hitherto adopted by society – which focuses on the integration of elements (such as inclusion, cohesion, etc.) – the solidaristic model of sustainability is currently gaining momentum. However, this model does not seem to be devoid of critical aspects. If sustainability means ensuring that future generations are able to meet their own needs without jeopardising their well-being, the current state of emergency has severely tested this goal and has provided an opportunity to critically reflect on the very premises of the current social model and on the solidarity-based model some scholars wish to implement. It is therefore important to define the sociological implications of the economic, technological and environmental aspects of sustainability. This will allow us to recognise that all three aspects have a common basis in social sustainability. In fact, it seems that it is precisely social sustainability the policy suffering the greatest setback during the pandemic. However, in order to be completely sustainable, these different dimensions must not be dissociated from each other, but rather analysed and implemented on interdependent basis. The interdependence between the dimensions, in the end, is not just 'one' of the issues to be investigated but becomes 'the' condition for the achievement of the sustainable social model. Therefore, what are the consequences of this deficiency in theory? What are the correlations between the various forms of sustainability? What are the possible future scenarios?