Bridge over troubled water: Managing compatibility and conflicts among thought collectives in sustainability science

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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
Date
2022-01
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Mcode
Degree programme
Language
en
Pages
Series
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
Abstract
Sustainability transformations call forth new forms and systems of knowledge across society. However, few tools and processes exist for promoting dialogue among different interests and normative stances in knowledge co-creation. In this article, we build on the notion of thought collectives to argue that understanding and moderating normative tensions are necessary if sustainability science is to provide successful solutions. Drawing on an analysis of the normative tensions between rival high-tech and low-tech thought collectives in the mobility and food production sectors, we discuss three strategic approaches: applying common evaluative frameworks, building contextual convergence and embracing complexity. We argue that these strategies indicate a need to distinguish different kinds of reflexivity in managing tensions among thought collectives. As a practical conclusion, we establish sets of reflexive questions to help sustainability scientists deploy the knowledge management strategies discussed.
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Keywords
Sustainability Science, transdisciplinary research
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Citation
Soininen , N , Raymond , C , Tuomisto , H , Ruotsalainen , L , Thorén , H , Horcea-Milcu , A-I , Stojanovic , M , Lehtinen , S , Mazac , R , Lamuela Orta , C , Korpelainen , N-H , Vainio , A , Toivanen , R , McPhearson , T & Nagatsu , M 2022 , ' Bridge over troubled water: Managing compatibility and conflicts among thought collectives in sustainability science ' , SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE , vol. 17 , no. 1 , pp. 27-44 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-021-01068-w