The social impacts of dams: A new framework for scholarly analysis

Abstract

a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f oNo commonly used framework exists in the scholarly study of the social impacts of dams. This hinders comparisons of analyses and thus the accumulation of knowledge. The aim of this paper is to unify scholarly understanding of dams' social impacts via the analysis and aggregation of the various frameworks currently used in the scholarly literature. For this purpose, we have systematically analyzed and aggregated 27 frameworks employed by academics analyzing dams' social impacts (found in a set of 217 articles). A key finding of the analysis is that currently used frameworks are often not specific to dams and thus omit key impacts associated with them. The result of our analysis and aggregation is a new framework for scholarly analysis (which we call 'matrix framework') specifically on dams' social impacts, with space, time and value as its key dimensions as well as infrastructure, community and livelihood as its key components. Building on the scholarly understanding of this topic enables us to conceptualize the inherently complex and multidimensional issues of dams' social impacts in a holistic manner. If commonly employed in academia (and possibly in practice), this framework would enable more transparent assessment and comparison of projects.

The Social Framework for Projects: a conceptual but practical model to assist in assessing, planning and managing the social impacts of projects

“…Other researchers, notably Nussbaum (2003), considered that Sen's perspective of Ensuring that these projects have the support of affected peoples (a social licence to operate) is important (Jijelava & Vanclay 2014a, 2014b, else these projects will be met with opposition and resistance ) that will be detrimental to the development goals they are trying to achieve. Several frameworks have been developed to assist in this task, most notably the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) (discussed below), but none are routinely used in Social Impact Assessment (SIA) practice (Kirchherr & Charles 2016). This paper considers how large projects can be better planned and managed to reduce their negative social consequences, to improve people's well-being, and gain a social licence to operate.…”

Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Amazon and Socioeconomic Impacts on Fishermen in Ferreira Gomes County- Amapá State1

“…Although entrepreneurs and governments deny the serious impacts caused by HPPs, the scientific literature confirms the social, cultural, historical, environmental, economic, health and leisure-related consequences they have on different populations (RICHTER et al, 2010;WANG et al, 2012;KIRCHHERR;CHARLLES, 2016). On the other hand, since these social phenomena are complex, their dimensions, intensities and temporalities require constant monitoring, as well as the development of methodologies capable of integrating macro and micro socioeconomic levels (e.g., take into consideration the variables related to degree of equality and to its local specificities).…”

“…It addressed how these ventures are planned and implemented, as well as how social impacts are addressed in EIAs/RIMAs (environmental impact assessment studies/environmental impact reports) (WCD, 2000). In recent past, social impacts were not even seen as relevant in these studies; consequently, they did not require fair reparation measures (KIRCHHERR;CHARLLES, 2016).…”

The Socio-Economic Impact of Dam Construction

“…The process of unification between the newcomers (the migrants) and the natives to be merged into local association was conducted in integrated manner. Kircther (2016) [5] says Social activities encountered both by the newcomers and the natives run harmoniously as seen in the participation of the newcomers in the road paving program; along with the natives they work together to reach the common purpose.…”