ABSTRACT
Social impacts are readily observed in terms of the behavior of the community under observation. This behavior is also guided by systems of meaning. The relationship between a proposed development and the social, economic and demographic changes assessed is largely determined by the systems of meaning and values of the affected population. A social impact assessment entails the evaluation of the consequences of an existing development or program or the projected consequences of a proposed development or program that are likely to affect the social, economic, and cultural activities of a community or group of people. Most practitioners agree that a thorough grounding in the social sciences and an interdisciplinary perspective are essential to conduct social impact assessments. The strategy for conducting social impact assessments of the two Alaskan communities was guided by several specific methodological requirements. The perspective of the community is itself influenced by the nature of the social impact assessment and is subject to change over time.
