peoplebefore

Peoplebefore is a term used to describe an approach and set of practices that prioritize the welfare, rights, and dignity of people in decision-making across policy, business, and technology. The phrase is used by a range of organizations and campaigns to signal a shift away from profit-centric or efficiency-first logics toward human-centered considerations.

Origin and usage: The term emerged in public discourse in the 2010s and 2020s among advocates for social justice, ethical business, and user-centered design. There is no single founder or governing body; rather, it appears as a slogan adopted by diverse actors to frame objectives and priorities.

Principles commonly associated with peoplebefore include prioritizing human impact, inclusivity, transparency and accountability, consent and autonomy, privacy and safety, and sustainability in both short-term decisions and long-term strategy.

Applications vary by sector. In business, it may guide corporate responsibility programs and impact assessments. In policy, it can underpin participatory processes and equity-focused regulations. In technology, it informs platform governance and user welfare considerations. In humanitarian work, it centers beneficiaries in program design and evaluation.

Reception and criticism: Supporters describe peoplebefore as a practical framework for aligning actions with human needs. Critics argue that the term can be vague, with ambiguous metrics and potential for rhetoric without binding standards or enforcement.

Related concepts include human-centered design, stakeholder theory, the people-first movement, ethical business, and social impact.