Exploring the implications of critical complexity for the study of social-ecological systems.

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The complexity of social-ecological systems is well recognized (Berkes et al. 2003, Norberg andCumming 2008). However, in the study of such systems, it is often the uncertainty that results from nonlinear interactions that forms the focus of discussion. Here, the normative implications of complexity for our knowledge of such systems are emphasised, by drawing largely on the work of Cilliers (1998Cilliers ( , 2005a, who introduced the term "critical complexity." This perspective on complexity is distinct in bringing the value-based choices that frame our knowledge generation strategies to the fore. It is from this view that we investigate the implications of complexity for social-ecological systems research. Based on these implications, we propose a set of five key questions to guide the incorporation of insights from critical complexity into such research. We end with a brief application of the questions proposed to the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas (NFEPA) project in South Africa, to illustrate their potential use in the context of resource management.

Towards Place-Based Research to Support Social–Ecological Stewardship

“…We do this in recognition that conducting situated [127], contextual [137], and place-based research [15] requires flexible research approaches. Theoretical, methodological, and philosophical approaches which are open to unexpected surprises and changes in direction and allow space for action-oriented knowledge co-production with local stakeholders, are necessary [138]. We argue that research on collaboration can be deepened by drawing on the pathways approach as a theoretical waymark.…”

Water service delivery challenges in a small South African municipality: Identifying and exploring key elements and relationships in a complex social-ecological system

“…Although this systems description did not offer potential interventions that could alleviate the WSD problem in the MLM C-SES, it does provide the foundation for designing interventions. Adopting a systems thinking approach and doing the initial systems inquiry steps towards understanding the system provides an effective foundation from which to intervene and influence the system towards an improved state (Berkes et al, 2003;Ostrom and Cox, 2010;Audouin et al, 2013;Binder et al, 2013;Rogers et al, 2013).…”

Designing for resilience: permaculture as a transdisciplinary methodology in applied resilience research

“…The call within permaculture and related social movements such as Transition and ecovillages for place-based, locally self-organized responses to global environmental, social, and economic issues also implies epistemological diversity. All of this illustrates the concept of "critical complexity": the need for epistemological plurality in the study of complex systems, including recognizing the normative dimensions of any system framing and revealing the assumptions and values behind dominant framings (Audouin et al 2013, cf. Leach et al 2010.…”

“…Leach et al 2010. Important features of critical complexity revealed in previous resilience research include the inclusion within transdisciplinary collaborations of diverse perspectives (Audouin et al 2013, Stone-Jovicich 2015, taking account of different patterns of interaction among these perspectives (Beers et al 2016), and transgression of scalar, institutional, and epistemological boundaries (Stokols et al 2013). A logical conclusion is that resilience theory might seek to emulate the conceptual and processual pluralism of fields such as social ecology and critical political ecology (Stokols et al 2013, Stone-Jovicich 2015.…”