A social impact assessment involves conducting research, planning, and managing social change or consequences (both planned and unforeseen, positive and bad) resulting from projects, policies, regulations, and plans. The primary focus of an SIA is the significant effects of projects and developments that go beyond their effects on natural resources. The main purpose of an SIA is attaining a more ecologically, socio-culturally, and economically sustainable biophysical and human environment. A few examples of social impacts are:
- People’s way of life – how people live, work, and interact in daily life
- Culture – shared beliefs, values, customs, languages, etc.
- Community – unity, stability, services, and amenities
- Political System – the level of involvement in decision making, the level of democratization, the available resources to achieve it
Health and well-being – mental, physical, spiritual, and social well being