Abstract
Experiments to create spaces for social-ecological transformation are multiplying. These experiments aim at transcending traditional spaces for rational deliberation, planning, and participatory decision-making. We present a methodological approach for triggering the emergence of “transformation laboratories” (T-labs), which are participatory spaces where new agency is activated in relation to a stagnant sustainability challenge to generate intentional bottom-up transformations. We applied a set of participatory research tools to elicit current perceptions and foster personal involvement in transforming the ongoing urbanization of a culturally and ecologically significant historical wetland in Mexico City. Given that the emergence of T-labs as genuine bottom-up transformative spaces involves changes at multiple levels (individual, collective, and social-ecological), our approach was designed to promote a safe space that stimulates openness and personal interaction. We posit that through enabling participants to reformulate their connections to the system, to others in the system, and to themselves, the system may be transformed from the inside out. We argue that transformation, in this sense, is essentially about how changes in perception about one’s own role in the system’s dynamics translate into changes in agency. Our T-lab brought in 19 agents involved in the use and management of the Xochimilco urban wetland. Through a set of research tools, we elicited and presented information that helped agents to see their social-ecological position and role and to identify the practices they share with others within specific social networks and spaces of action. We argue that the process of collaboration initiated by our application of these tools and communication of their results are key for advancing initiatives that seek to create conditions for endogenous transformations.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Article number | 46 |
| Journal | Ecology and Society |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 1 2018 |
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Keywords
- Agency
- Mexico
- Social-ecological systems
- Sustainability
- Transformation
- Transformative space
- Urbanization
- Xochimilco
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology
Cite this
Promoting agency for social-ecological transformation : A transformation-lab in the Xochimilco social-ecological system. / Charli-Joseph, Lakshmi; Siqueiros-Garcia, J. Mario; Eakin, Hallie; Manuel-Navarrete, David; Shelton, Rebecca.
In: Ecology and Society, Vol. 23, No. 2, 46, 01.06.2018.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Promoting agency for social-ecological transformation
T2 - A transformation-lab in the Xochimilco social-ecological system
AU - Charli-Joseph, Lakshmi
AU - Siqueiros-Garcia, J. Mario
AU - Eakin, Hallie
AU - Manuel-Navarrete, David
AU - Shelton, Rebecca
PY - 2018/6/1
Y1 - 2018/6/1
N2 - Experiments to create spaces for social-ecological transformation are multiplying. These experiments aim at transcending traditional spaces for rational deliberation, planning, and participatory decision-making. We present a methodological approach for triggering the emergence of “transformation laboratories” (T-labs), which are participatory spaces where new agency is activated in relation to a stagnant sustainability challenge to generate intentional bottom-up transformations. We applied a set of participatory research tools to elicit current perceptions and foster personal involvement in transforming the ongoing urbanization of a culturally and ecologically significant historical wetland in Mexico City. Given that the emergence of T-labs as genuine bottom-up transformative spaces involves changes at multiple levels (individual, collective, and social-ecological), our approach was designed to promote a safe space that stimulates openness and personal interaction. We posit that through enabling participants to reformulate their connections to the system, to others in the system, and to themselves, the system may be transformed from the inside out. We argue that transformation, in this sense, is essentially about how changes in perception about one’s own role in the system’s dynamics translate into changes in agency. Our T-lab brought in 19 agents involved in the use and management of the Xochimilco urban wetland. Through a set of research tools, we elicited and presented information that helped agents to see their social-ecological position and role and to identify the practices they share with others within specific social networks and spaces of action. We argue that the process of collaboration initiated by our application of these tools and communication of their results are key for advancing initiatives that seek to create conditions for endogenous transformations.
AB - Experiments to create spaces for social-ecological transformation are multiplying. These experiments aim at transcending traditional spaces for rational deliberation, planning, and participatory decision-making. We present a methodological approach for triggering the emergence of “transformation laboratories” (T-labs), which are participatory spaces where new agency is activated in relation to a stagnant sustainability challenge to generate intentional bottom-up transformations. We applied a set of participatory research tools to elicit current perceptions and foster personal involvement in transforming the ongoing urbanization of a culturally and ecologically significant historical wetland in Mexico City. Given that the emergence of T-labs as genuine bottom-up transformative spaces involves changes at multiple levels (individual, collective, and social-ecological), our approach was designed to promote a safe space that stimulates openness and personal interaction. We posit that through enabling participants to reformulate their connections to the system, to others in the system, and to themselves, the system may be transformed from the inside out. We argue that transformation, in this sense, is essentially about how changes in perception about one’s own role in the system’s dynamics translate into changes in agency. Our T-lab brought in 19 agents involved in the use and management of the Xochimilco urban wetland. Through a set of research tools, we elicited and presented information that helped agents to see their social-ecological position and role and to identify the practices they share with others within specific social networks and spaces of action. We argue that the process of collaboration initiated by our application of these tools and communication of their results are key for advancing initiatives that seek to create conditions for endogenous transformations.
KW - Agency
KW - Mexico
KW - Social-ecological systems
KW - Sustainability
KW - Transformation
KW - Transformative space
KW - Urbanization
KW - Xochimilco
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85049641224&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85049641224&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.5751/ES-10214-230246
DO - 10.5751/ES-10214-230246
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85049641224
VL - 23
JO - Ecology and Society
JF - Ecology and Society
SN - 1708-3087
IS - 2
M1 - 46
ER -