TY - JOUR

T1 - Inner transformation to sustainability as a deep leverage point

T2 - fostering new avenues for change through dialogue and reflection

AU - Woiwode, Christoph

AU - Schäpke, Niko

AU - Bina, Olivia

AU - Veciana, Stella

AU - Kunze, Iris

AU - Parodi, Oliver

AU - Schweizer-Ries, Petra

AU - Wamsler, Christine

PY - 2021/5

Y1 - 2021/5

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

KW - Consciousness

KW - Deep leverage points

KW - Human development

KW - Inner capacities

KW - Inner transformation

KW - Interiority

KW - Mindsets

KW - Paradigm shift

KW - Personal spheres of transformation

KW - Personal sustainability

KW - Values

KW - Worldviews

KW - Transdisciplinary studies

KW - Sustainability Science

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85100206825&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1007/s11625-020-00882-y

DO - 10.1007/s11625-020-00882-y

M3 - Journal articles

AN - SCOPUS:85100206825

VL - 16

SP - 841

EP - 858

JO - Sustainability Science

JF - Sustainability Science

SN - 1862-4065

IS - 3

ER -