Abstract
In 2015, the United Nations committed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to drive global development policy and practice. Six years into the implementation of the 15-year agenda, the SDGs are subject to extensive monitoring and research at the national, regional, and global levels using quantitative data sets. In contrast, this scoping review considered the contribution of qualitative research studies published in 2021, utilizing data collected from local, place-based community participants. Qualitative research with community participants connects global policy with place-based experience, thus potentially offering a valuable perspective on SDG implementation. Searches were carried out using the Scopus database to identify studies that explicitly linked their aims and objectives to the SDGs. Fifty-four papers met the criteria for inclusion in the review and were charted, mapped, and analysed. For the majority of studies, data collection was carried out in lower-middle income and low-income countries. The “voices” of community participants highlight tensions and challenges affecting the implementation of the SDGs. Reviewing this body of research as a whole identified opportunities to strengthen future qualitative research that will further illuminate progress towards the SDGs.
Highlights
Academic Editors: CarlosThe 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) officially came into force on 1 January2016
For the first search of the database, we used the search terms “sustainable development goals” and “qualitative research”. While this strategy excluded the work of authors who chose to use a broader phrase or keyword such as “sustainable development”, we were looking for a degree of intentionality in linking their publications to the “sustainable development goals”
On reviewing the results of the first search, we considered that the search term “qualitative research” was probably narrowing down the scope of the study too far as not all authors would choose to label their publications in this way
Summary
Academic Editors: CarlosThe 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) officially came into force on 1 January2016. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) officially came into force on 1 January. Development (Agenda 2030)—direct all countries to mobilize efforts to end poverty, fight inequalities, and tackle climate change [1]. The addition of three new goals to the domains covered by the preceding Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) brought a new emphasis to the interaction of humans with the environment. The SDGs differ from the MDGs in their global focus: “these are universal goals and targets which involve the entire world, developed and developing countries alike. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development” [1] Progress towards one goal can result in both synergies and trade-offs with other goals [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
