Social Sustainability and Subjective Well-Being: A Study on Italian Inner Areas

Social sustainability relies on the promotion of social processes and structures that ensure the basic needs of individuals and communities are met while also encouraging constructive interactions among them. This paper offers an overview of the characteristics of Italy’s peripheral rural areas and presents findings from a targeted survey conducted across three southern Italian regions. Evaluations collected from a sample of residents were analyzed using the class of CUB models, which are suitable for preference and opinion data. Subjective perceptions of well-being and quality of life, community participation, and the quality of social relationships were examined. Residents’ opinions on the available services in the areas, including economic facilities, digitalization, and transportation, were also considered. Our research indicates that perceptions of well-being in the peripheral areas of Italy are remarkably influenced by individuals’ assessments of their income adequacy. Our findings establish a strong connection between a positive self-assessment of well-being and the belief that income can sufficiently meet needs. Exploring the perceptual dimensions of well-being can offer valuable insights for stakeholders and decision-makers in developing policy efforts and community-led social innovations, which are critical for fighting sentiments of marginalization in rural areas caused by economic perceptions.