9
One main premise of framing theory is based on a constructivism perspective
which realizes multiple ways of viewing and constructing the world (Chong and
Druckman 2007). Hence, multiple framings by different groups of people in our
society always exist, and how the concept of sustainability is framed is also multiple. To integrate such multiplicity of framing present among different actor groups,
sustainability scientists facilitate collaborations through broad inter- and transdisciplinary initiatives (Bammer 2005; Leach et al. 2010).
In sustainability science, framing is an important concept that examines the process to determine what is worthwhile to sustain in line with the direction of sustainable development. Sustainability fundamentally contains a normative dimension,
and such framing is built upon social values and individual beliefs. Answering the
core questions of sustainability—sustain what, for whom, how long, and at what
cost—reflects our orientations in the framing process of particular topics. In order
to move the discussion on framing in sustainability science forward, developing a
conceptual framework that cautions us of key elements to consider is critical. To
conclude the chapter, the authors propose their conceptual framework of key elements for visualizing transformation to a sustainable society.
1.5 Framework to Visualize Transformation to a Sustainable
Society
Based on the experience of operating the GPSS-GLI program over the last ten years
including the initial three years as GPSS, the authors have developed a conceptual
framework that encompasses key elements that must be examined when discussing
transformation towards sustainable society in a research or action plan. Fig. 1 summarizes those key elements for framing sustainability issues (shown as (1) Framing
complexities) and suggests possible means (shown as (2) Transformation channels)
to lead the current state of society to a sustainability pathway.
When addressing one sustainability issue, the authors argue that Holistic
Treatment (top-down approaches) and Trans-boundary Thinking (bottom-up
approaches) need to be applied jointly in order to (i) analyze the embedded complexity within the structure of the issue, (ii) develop action plans towards a sustainable society incorporating the uncertainty in this action planning process, and (iii)
evaluate the entire framing process from issue identification, action plan development, and implementation. Holistic treatment and trans-boundary thinking are perspectives that support each other, an interaction which is necessary for examining
one sustainability issue from multiple angles and for visualizing how proposed
actions will unfold.
Holistic Treatment, which represents the upper half of the framework, is based
on a systems perspective and depicts cause-and-effect relationships among the
factors and agents related to an issue. In contrast, the Trans-boundary Thinking,
which represents the bottom half of the framework, is based on individual-case
perspectives that reflect the locality of a particular community or stakeholder group.
1 Framing in Sustainability Science
One main premise of framing theory is based on a constructivism perspective
which realizes multiple ways of viewing and constructing the world (Chong and
Druckman 2007). Hence, multiple framings by different groups of people in our
society always exist, and how the concept of sustainability is framed is also multiple. To integrate such multiplicity of framing present among different actor groups,
sustainability scientists facilitate collaborations through broad inter- and transdisciplinary initiatives (Bammer 2005; Leach et al. 2010).
In sustainability science, framing is an important concept that examines the process to determine what is worthwhile to sustain in line with the direction of sustainable development. Sustainability fundamentally contains a normative dimension,
and such framing is built upon social values and individual beliefs. Answering the
core questions of sustainability—sustain what, for whom, how long, and at what
cost—reflects our orientations in the framing process of particular topics. In order
to move the discussion on framing in sustainability science forward, developing a
conceptual framework that cautions us of key elements to consider is critical. To
conclude the chapter, the authors propose their conceptual framework of key elements for visualizing transformation to a sustainable society.
1.5 Framework to Visualize Transformation to a Sustainable
Society
Based on the experience of operating the GPSS-GLI program over the last ten years
including the initial three years as GPSS, the authors have developed a conceptual
framework that encompasses key elements that must be examined when discussing
transformation towards sustainable society in a research or action plan. Fig. 1 summarizes those key elements for framing sustainability issues (shown as (1) Framing
complexities) and suggests possible means (shown as (2) Transformation channels)
to lead the current state of society to a sustainability pathway.
When addressing one sustainability issue, the authors argue that Holistic
Treatment (top-down approaches) and Trans-boundary Thinking (bottom-up
approaches) need to be applied jointly in order to (i) analyze the embedded complexity within the structure of the issue, (ii) develop action plans towards a sustainable society incorporating the uncertainty in this action planning process, and (iii)
evaluate the entire framing process from issue identification, action plan development, and implementation. Holistic treatment and trans-boundary thinking are perspectives that support each other, an interaction which is necessary for examining
one sustainability issue from multiple angles and for visualizing how proposed
actions will unfold.
Holistic Treatment, which represents the upper half of the framework, is based
on a systems perspective and depicts cause-and-effect relationships among the
factors and agents related to an issue. In contrast, the Trans-boundary Thinking,
which represents the bottom half of the framework, is based on individual-case
perspectives that reflect the locality of a particular community or stakeholder group.
1 Framing in Sustainability Science