home > conference - November 24-25, 2003

Enterprise Development Impact Assessment Information Service (EDIAIS)

NEW DIRECTIONS IN IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT: METHODS AND PRACTICE

Neville Bews - Centre for Sociological Research Department of Sociology, Rand Afrikaans University, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Social Impact Assessments, theory and practice juxtaposed - Experience from a South African rapid rail project

Link to full paper

ABSTRACT

The field of social impact assessment (SIA), having been under the influence of environmental impact assessments (EIA), has only recently begun to develop theory and methodology more specific to the study of sociological phenomena. Consequently, criteria against which social impact assessments can be evaluated and examples of the application of this theory and methodology to practical situations are somewhat rare. A recent study, however, provided an ideal opportunity to examine the application of developing theory and methodology to a practical situation. The study referred to was undertaken to assess the impact of a proposed rapid rail link system linking Johannesburg, Pretoria and Johannesburg International Airport, in the province of Gauteng, South Africa. This paper critically examines the application of existing social impact theory and methodology to this project, and highlights some of the advantages gained through the process as well as the difficulties faced by the assessors. Suggestions, aimed at improve the synergy of theory and practice when undertaking future social impact assessments, are also generated.

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