The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Christine Wamsler. Photo

Christine Wamsler

Professor, Docent, appointed Excellent Teaching Practitioner (ETP)

Christine Wamsler. Photo

Inner transformation to sustainability as a deep leverage point : fostering new avenues for change through dialogue and reflection

Author

  • Christoph Woiwode
  • Niko Schäpke
  • Olivia Bina
  • Stella Veciana
  • Iris Kunze
  • Oliver Parodi
  • Petra Schweizer-Ries
  • Christine Wamsler

Summary, in English

This article provides a rationale for inner transformation as a key and hitherto underresearched dimension of sustainability transformations. Inner transformation relates to various aspects of human existence and interactions such as consciousness, mindsets, values, worldviews, beliefs, spirituality and human–nature connectedness. The article draws on Meadows’ leverage points approach, as places to intervene in a system, to reveal the relevance of inner transformation for system change towards sustainability. Based on insights from a series of dialogue and reflection workshops and a literature review, this article provides three important contributions to sustainability transformations research: first, it increases our conceptual understanding of inner transformation and its relevance for sustainability; second, it outlines concrete elements of the inner transformation-sustainability nexus in relation to leverage points; and third, it presents practical examples illustrating how to work with leverage points for supporting inner transformation. In sum, the paper develops a systematized and structured approach to understanding inner transformation, including the identification of deep, i.e., highly influential, leverage points. In addition, it critically discusses the often contentious and divergent perspectives on inner transformation and shows related practical challenges. Finally, current developments in inner transformation research as well as further research needs are identified.

Department/s

  • LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)

Publishing year

2021-05-01

Language

English

Pages

841-858

Publication/Series

Sustainability Science

Volume

16

Issue

3

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Springer

Topic

  • Other Natural Sciences
  • Human Geography

Keywords

  • Consciousness
  • Deep leverage points
  • Human development
  • Inner capacities
  • Inner transformation
  • Interiority
  • Mindsets
  • Paradigm shift
  • Personal spheres of transformation
  • Personal sustainability
  • Values
  • Worldviews

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1862-4057