Governance & Policy
Social Washing
Presenting an organisation as socially responsible without the substance — the social analogue of greenwashing.
Definition
Social washing is the practice of overstating, misrepresenting or fabricating an organisation's social performance — claims about worker welfare, diversity, community benefit or human rights that are not supported by practice. Analogous to greenwashing on the social pillar, it ranges from marketing exaggeration (diversity imagery without diverse leadership) to certification display while violating underlying standards; "bluewashing" describes wrapping in UN branding without substantive commitment.
Overview
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