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Bringing Technology into Social-Ecological Systems Research—Motivations for a Socio-Technical-Ecological Systems Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Helene Ahlborg

    (Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
    School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Ilse Ruiz-Mercado

    (Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mérida 97205, Yucatán, Mexico)

  • Sverker Molander

    (Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Omar Masera

    (Ecosystems and Sustainability Research Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Morelia 58190, Michoacán, Mexico)

Abstract

The purpose of this synthesis paper is to present the motivations and conceptual basis for research on socio-technical-ecological systems (STES), addressing the need for interdisciplinary studies targeting the technological mediation of human–environment relationships. The background is the very limited number of collaborations between scholars of social-ecological systems and sociotechnical systems (SES), despite repeated calls for bridging work. The synthesis builds on an in-depth review of previous literature, interdisciplinary exchanges, and empirical examples. The result is arguments for why a sociotechnical understanding of ‘technology’ is of central importance for SES studies, related to how technology: (1) mediates human–environment relationships; (2) brings ambivalence to these relationships; (3) enhances and transforms human agency and provides a source of constitutive power; (4) changes scalar relationships, enabling our interaction with and impact on the natural world across time and space. Furthermore, we present an STES analytical approach which starts from symmetrical attention to technology, society, and environment, specifically targeting interfaces and relationships of critical relevance for SES scholars, and address counterarguments that we have encountered. We conclude that a shift to STES research will enhance our knowledge of system interfaces that are often overlooked, opening further avenues for research and real-world interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Helene Ahlborg & Ilse Ruiz-Mercado & Sverker Molander & Omar Masera, 2019. "Bringing Technology into Social-Ecological Systems Research—Motivations for a Socio-Technical-Ecological Systems Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:7:p:2009-:d:219993
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