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Storying Systems Change: Learning and Living with Complexity

Author

Listed:
  • Derek Gladwin

    (Faculty of Education and Systems Beings Lab)

  • Naoko Ellis

    (Faculty of Applied Science and Systems Beings Lab)

Abstract

This article introduces Storying Systems Change (SSC) as a transformative educational approach that engages with complexity, relationality, and uncertainty in systemic change. Rather than treating stories as fixed content, SSC enables learners, educators, and practitioners to collectively consider worldviews, embrace uncertainty, and engage with systems through lived experience. The authors propose five pedagogical threads that illustrate how storying can support systemic transformation: cultivating relational approaches, building capacity for uncertainty, holding space for multiple perspectives and paradoxes, learning for adaptive change, and co-creating possible futures. By weaving together theory, practice, and story, SSC aims to offer a generative, connective approach for learning with and in complex systems, deepening our collective capacity to support transformative change. Clinical trial number Not applicable

Suggested Citation

  • Derek Gladwin & Naoko Ellis, 2025. "Storying Systems Change: Learning and Living with Complexity," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 38(3), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:syspar:v:38:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11213-025-09732-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11213-025-09732-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rajneesh Chowdhury, 2023. "Holistic Flexibility for Deploying Systems Thinking as a Cognitive Skill," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 36(5), pages 803-825, October.
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