Systematic Analysis of Cultural Policymaking with a Sustainable Development Approach
Keywords:
Cultural Policymaking, Sustainable Development, Cultural Sustainability, Cultural Governance, Public Policy, Education for Sustainable DevelopmentAbstract
The present study aimed to systematically analyze the role of cultural policymaking in achieving sustainable development and to examine the dimensions, challenges, and strategic implications of cultural policies within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. This study was conducted using a qualitative systematic review approach. The research population consisted of scientific articles, policy reports, and academic studies published between 2020 and 2025 in the fields of sustainable development, cultural policymaking, governance, education, and cultural sustainability. Data were collected through searches in international and regional databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran. Following the screening process and removal of irrelevant and duplicate studies, 58 scientific sources were selected for final analysis. Data analysis was performed using qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis techniques. The findings revealed that culture, as the fourth pillar of sustainable development, plays a crucial role in strengthening social cohesion, civic participation, environmental protection, and sustainable economic growth. Participatory and locally grounded cultural policymaking was found to be more effective in achieving sustainable development goals. In addition, education for sustainable development, cultural governance, sustainable tourism, creative industries, and civil society participation emerged as significant factors contributing to cultural sustainability. Conversely, centralized governance structures, weak institutional coordination, limited financial resources, and tensions between tradition and modernity were identified as major challenges in cultural policymaking. The results indicate that achieving sustainable development requires integrating culture into macro-level development policies and adopting participatory, interdisciplinary, and culturally sensitive policymaking models. Culture can facilitate sustainable development by transforming social attitudes, strengthening social capital, and enhancing public responsibility. Therefore, cultural governance, sustainability education, and social participation should be considered essential prerequisites for sustainable development.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mohaddeseh Ijavi, Somayeh Ghajari, Ebrahim Givaki (Author)
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