The Meaning of Transformations

Abstract

“Transformations” are increasingly being sought as humanity approaches planetary boundaries that define the environmental limits within which societies can safely operate. Within social-ecological systems (SES) research, transformations are understood to affect different system elements simultaneously, occur at different rates and in distinct phases, and impact the system at multiple levels and temporal, spatial, and organizational scales. As this complexity implies, transformations are not predictable or controllable and can, at best be navigated. We draw on interviews with sixty practitioners within the Transformations Community to explore how their conception of ‘transformations’ highlights differences between interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary action research. Practitioners described transformation as a complex multi-level and multi-phase process and an engaged and embodied practice. They suggest that the ability to practice transformation is predicated on experiencing personal transformation, which involves re-examining assumptions and core beliefs through disruptive learning experiences. Transformations rely on forging alliances with marginal actors and communities to redress historical injustice, engaging powerful social and political actors and institutions who often resist the actions needed for sustainable and equitable futures. Accordingly, these practitioners emphasize that transformation was slow and unpredictable, requiring patient work by many people. Acknowledging that their work often has little immediate impact on transformation, transformation practitioners emphasize the importance of developing transformative capacity, which may lie latent until the time is right to catalyze systems change.