Social Issues

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides a contextualized overview of self-determination theory’s (SDT) contributions to the theory and practice of addressing social issues. It addresses the contested role of basic needs in social philosophy and explains the relationships between basic psychological needs and accounts of basic human needs that have been influential in global justice studies. It argues that autonomy, competence, and positive relatedness constitute a comprehensive set of basic human needs that societies and global development efforts should aim to enable individuals to satisfy. It addresses the significance of SDT research for eudaimonic justice, intergenerational justice, the social welfare versus individual responsibility debate, and the basis of social cooperation. The chapter also addresses SDT’s contributions to addressing problems of sustainability, education, work, and civic culture. It shows how SDT research on human flourishing, materialism, experience of nature, and motivation for environmentally beneficial behaviors are providing a basis for policies conducive to sustainability, understood as the long-term preservation of opportunities to live well. It surveys key SDT findings on need support, motivation, performance, and well-being in educational and work settings. Finally, it concludes that SDT research is contributing to theorical understandings of justice focused on basic needs and human flourishing, while addressing a variety of important social issues and providing a wealth of actionable guidance for strengthening cooperation and improving the functioning of schools, workplaces, and other institutions.