Considering the Diverse Views of Ecologisation in the Agrifood Transition: An Analysis Based on Human Relationships with Nature

Abstract

This article aims to characterise the visions of ecologisation found within scientific approaches embraced by different epistemic communities, and which have inspired empirical work and public action on agrifood system transitions. Based on comparative readings of works anchored in our two disciplinary fields (ecology and sociology), we identified six large ensembles of epistemic communities as well as their points of convergence and divergence. We identify six ideotypical visions of ecologisation based on the types of ‘relationships to nature’ embedded in these large sets of epistemic communities: protectionism, functionalism, structuralism, post-structuralism, relational and pragmatist-experience-based. We suggest that pragmatist-experience-based approaches allow us to transcend two classical oppositions: between realism and constructivism, and between a conception of nature as passive and external as opposed to active and relational. Without claiming to offer a detailed analysis of these approaches, we hope that our work can be used as a tool to support reflection among scientists and other actors involved in agrifood system transitions.

Perceptions of Ecosystem Services and Bonds with Nature: The Case of Fish-Farming Ponds in France

“…Thus, it is possible to specify the acceptability of conservation measures according to the type of measures and implementation methods. Magda et al (2022) insisted on the need for a constructivist approach to management measures, considering the differences in familiarity (the importance of frequenting natural areas) and attachment in the relationship of individuals to nature (Braito et al, 2017). A literature review on the interactions between scientific knowledge and decisions by Bitounet et al…”

“…Thus, considering the diversity of explanatory factors of behavior makes it possible to better understand motivations and anticipate behaviors in order to adapt incentive schemes (Hicks et al, 2015). This type of analysis allows identifying levers favorable to pro-environmental behavior, that is, ideally, by combining factors relating to eudaimonic or hedonic well-being to associate all determinants (Magda et al, 2022).…”

“…Recent studies have emphasized the role of relationships with nature, felt emotions, and the experience of nature. (Cooper et al, 2016;Prévot et al, 2018;Bratman et al, 2019;Magda et al, 2022). Relational and experiential approaches highlight the importance of individuals' connections and attachments to nature.…”

“…A distinction is made between indifferent citizens who are not very sensitive (low relational value and low commitment), citizens committed with conviction who are rather sensitive to factors of eudaimonic well-being (low relational value and strong commitment), epicurean citizens who are sensitive to factors of hedonic well-being (high relational value and low commitment), and attached and pro-environmental citizens (high relational value and strong commitment). The factors differentiating these profiles partly cross the types of attitudes identified by Magda et al (2022) by associating, on the one hand, relational attitudes with those of experience-based approaches and, on the other hand, protectionism with functionalist attitudes.…”