How a "process-relational" lens can enrich social-ecological systems research

Process-relational philosophy is increasingly discussed in the research on social-ecological systems (SES) due to its perceived ability to enhance our understanding of these inherently complex systems. However, while this philosophy is fairly well developed and applied in many fields, this is less true for the field of SES research.

The key idea behind the process-relational study of complexity is that relations perform, or even constitute, the very things they connect, reflecting the Latin roots of the word complexity ("complexus") meaning "woven together." For example, the highly specialized relation between particular wasps and the orchids they pollinate has evolved together over millions of years in such a tightly linked way that neither would be what it is without the other. They are inextricably intertwined and can serve as an image, or a metaphor, for such “woven togetherness” that characterizes social-ecological systems.

This has strong implications for social-ecological systems research. Building on earlier work (e.g. on sustainability transformations) researchers at the Stockholm Resilience Centre — particularly anchored in the "how" theme — are exploring a process-relational take on topics important to SES research. For example:

• One paper reflects on the methodological implications for qualitative methods, particularly interviewing.
• Another looks at the role of the key process-relational notion of “affect” and its influence on how people co-create knowledge.
• A third paper invites the reader to rethink causation from a process-relational perspective, especially in the context of sustainability transformations.
• A fourth paper examines the practice of simulation modelling.

“Undoubtedly, more work is needed to make the ideas presented in these papers more applicable in practice, but we hope that readers find inspiration in a process-relational approach to the study of social-ecological systems,” says Centre researcher Tilman Hertz.