Constructing the Coleman boat – Mechanism-based theorising in socio-ecological research DOI Open Access
Rodrigo Martínez Peña, Petri Ylikoski

Published: Dec. 14, 2023

Like in many other fields, mechanism-based theorising has become increasingly popular socio-ecological research. However, calls for explanations and middle-range have remained relatively abstract. In the social sciences, Coleman diagram provides heuristic aid figuring out thorny micro-macro issues. The diagram, understood as a series of analytical questions, helps to connect macro processes agents’ behaviours thus an understanding how effects get generated. This paper argues that Colemans can be fruitful advancing also social-ecological Utilising updated version we show incorporate ecological mechanisms into explanations. systematically explores could intertwine with each illustrates them brief examples. It introduces concepts action situation, mental states, agent capacities dissect interface between agency change. Finally, discusses integrate various forms causal complexity. ecologically expanded Coleman's contributes both research theory. concrete tool integrating by utilising idea explanation, but it demonstrates mechanisms-based is viable avenue developing more ambitious interdisciplinary theories about significant challenges people ecosystems face.

Language: Английский

Practical wisdom and virtue ethics for knowledge co-production in sustainability science DOI
Guido Caniglia, Rebecca Freeth, Christopher Luederitz

et al.

Nature Sustainability, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(5), P. 493 - 501

Published: Jan. 26, 2023

Language: Английский

Citations

39
Regenerative sustainability. A relational model of possibilities for the emergence of positive tipping points DOI Creative Commons
J. David Tàbara

Environmental Sociology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 9(4), P. 366 - 385

Published: July 30, 2023

Global environmental change problems are relational problems, so individual and collective actions aimed at dealing with them need to address fundamental changes about how we relate social biophysical systems. In this contribution, I suggest that current attempts theorise act on sustainability transformations would benefit from a perspective characterising individuals, organisations societies as coupled social-ecological systems set in the context of accelerating global change. Using whole-life-systems' non-exemptionalist worldview, conceptual model is presented help explore theoretical possibilities for creating regenerative pathways. Learning restore improve life-support conditions ensure long-term will require enacting positive synergies between capitals well reframing anthropocentric conceptions agency emancipation. particular, pathways entail synergising different kinds levels non-dualistic ways tackle same time in: institutional arrangements (S), energy natural resources (E), information knowledge (I) accumulated (C) -the SEIC model.

Language: Английский

Citations

32
Theoretical and analytical assessment of smart green cities DOI
Aysan Bashirpour Bonab, Francesco Bellini,

Ihor Rudko

et al.

Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 410, P. 137315 - 137315

Published: April 25, 2023

Language: Английский

Citations

28
Unraveling complex causal processes that affect sustainability requires more integration between empirical and modeling approaches DOI Creative Commons
Maja Schlüter‬, Christa Brelsford, Paul J. Ferraro

et al.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 120(41)

Published: Oct. 2, 2023

Scientists seek to understand the causal processes that generate sustainability problems and determine effective solutions. Yet, inquiry in nature-society systems is hampered by conceptual methodological challenges arise from interdependencies complex dynamics they create. Here, we demonstrate how scientists can address these make more robust claims through better integration between empirical analyses process- or agent-based modeling. To illustrate different epistemological traditions be integrated, present four studies of air pollution regulation, natural resource management, spread COVID-19. The show improve estimates effects, inform future research designs data collection, enhance understanding underlie observed temporal patterns, elucidate mechanisms contexts which operate. These advances help develop theories phenomena where social ecological are dynamically intertwined prior knowledge limited. improved also enhances governance helping practitioners choose among potential interventions, decide when timing an intervention matters, anticipate unexpected outcomes. Methodological integration, however, requires skills efforts all involved learn members respective other tradition think analyze systems.

Language: Английский

Citations

26
Enabling urban systems transformations: co-developing national and local strategies DOI Creative Commons
Robert Webb, Tayanah O’Donnell,

Kate Auty

et al.

Urban Transformations, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5(1)

Published: Feb. 20, 2023

Transformative urban development is urgent to achieve future sustainable and wellbeing. Transformation can benefit from shared cumulative learning on strategies guide across local national scales, while also reflecting the complex emergent nature of systems, need for context-specific place-based solutions. The article addresses this challenge, drawing extensive transdisciplinary engagement National Strategy co-development processes Australia. This includes generation two frameworks as boundary objects assist such strategy development. An 'enabling systems transformation' framework comprises four generic overarching transformation enablers a set necessary underpinning capacities. built cumulatively other sustainability studies. A complementary 'knowledge key knowledge themes that support an integrated approach mission-focused transformations, decarbonising cities. provides insights processes, frameworks, scoping may help those developing scales. Science highlights • Transdisciplinary used distil scopes with potential international application. build published framings convergent, science. transformations' 'urban knowledge' include perspective strategies. enabling informs 'National Urban Policy' 'Knowledge Innovation Hub' strategies, prevailing power imbalances. frame challenges, missions programs. Policy practice recommendations 'transformation imperative' 'strategic response' be co-developed Local initiative crucial drive but sustained leadership coherent policy sectors scales key. Diversity in participation generates whole-of-urban-systems local-to-national perspectives. solutions are collaborative issue framing responses. Collaborative informed by bring broader perspectives contested issues.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42854-023-00049-9.

Language: Английский

Citations

21
Integrating evolutionary theory and social–ecological systems research to address the sustainability challenges of the Anthropocene DOI Creative Commons
Thomas E. Currie, Monique Borgerhoff Mulder,

Laurel Fogarty

et al.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 379(1893)

Published: Nov. 13, 2023

The rapid, human-induced changes in the Earth system during Anthropocene present humanity with critical sustainability challenges. Social–ecological systems (SES) research provides multiple approaches for understanding complex interactions between humans, social systems, and environments how we might direct them towards healthier more resilient futures. However, general theories of SES change have yet to be fully developed. Formal evolutionary theory has been applied as a dynamic phenomena biology sciences, but rarely research. In this paper, explore connections both fields, hoping foster collaboration. After sketching out distinct intellectual traditions theory, map some their terminological theoretical connections. We then provide examples incorporated into through use mapping identify processes SES, application concepts from developmental understand changes, thinking may help design interventions beneficial change. Integrating can lead better positive sustainable Anthropocene. This article is part theme issue ‘Evolution sustainability: gathering strands an synthesis’.

Language: Английский

Citations

17
A methodological framework for capturing marine small-scale fisheries' contributions to the sustainable development goals DOI
Rachel E. Bitoun, Marc Léopold, Thierry Razanakoto

et al.

Sustainability Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 19(4), P. 1119 - 1137

Published: Feb. 14, 2024

Language: Английский

Citations

7
Sustainability transition theories: Perpetuating or breaking with the status quo DOI Creative Commons
Katharina Biely, Sabrina Chakori

Sustainable Development, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 27, 2024

Abstract How scientists frame problems impact the solutions offered. Since late 1940s development has been equated with modernization, technology adoption, and economic growth. Contrasting to this technocentric view, an ecocentric view developed since 1960s. Despite criticism of views increasing evidence that modern human societies are not reaching their environmental social goals, have remained predominant in sustainable discourse. Using a Kuhnian lens, divide between perspectives can be framed as distinct paradigms within This paper outlines continuation worldviews sustainability transition studies. It shows socio‐technical theory fails break growth‐focused approaches progress development. The concludes by outlining what could gained if became more weight.

Language: Английский

Citations

7
Complexity-aware principles for agri-food system interventions: Lessons from project encounters with complexity DOI Creative Commons
Costanza Conti, Andy Hall, Alastair Orr

et al.

Agricultural Systems, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 220, P. 104080 - 104080

Published: July 23, 2024

Complexity has long been recognised as a key feature of agri-food systems. Yet, it remains largely theoretical or poorly addressed in practice, hampering the potential international development projects to address agriculture and food-related challenges Global South. The paper identifies examines six sources complexity that can manifest projects, namely: unpredictability; path dependencies; context-specific dynamics; power relations; multiple temporal spatial scales. It then proposes tests system principles could be drawn upon more successfully navigate this complexity. aim is illustrate how these help respond changing circumstances unpredictable turns systems contexts different way, which flexibly embraces This flexibility essential an age uncertainty transformation. Comparative case study analysis implemented by CGIAR: aflatoxin control groundnuts Malawi (1), pigeonpea Eastern Southern Africa (2), sorghum beer Kenya (3), sweet for biofuel India (4), precooked beans Uganda (5), Smart Foods (6). aimed either increasing smallholder farmers' incomes addressing food nutrition security, both. They were specifically selected all they affected some complexity, hampered extents. makes cases relevant not only illustrating manifestations but also reflect on alternative strategies tackle it. studies reveals frustrate objectives interventions under several aspects. serves discuss navigated (within beyond cases) applying set proposed principles. are presented ways future avoid clinging what "known work" instead venture into powerful pathways change. following complexity-aware principle proposed: Welcome surprises openly trade-offs; Shun orthodoxies; Engage with context-specificity; Expose patterns power; Embrace lengthy nature change; Understand multi-scale (in terms space time) contexts. These used project designers implementors cope will inevitably encountered interventions, no longer ignored.

Language: Английский

Citations

6
The Meso Multiple in energy and climate research: How different Social Sciences treat the in-betweenness between the micro and macro DOI Creative Commons
Chris Foulds, Mónica Trüninger, Aggeliki Aggeli

et al.

Energy Research & Social Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 119, P. 103910 - 103910

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

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