Is the self a blind spot in our approaches to achieving sustainability?

Hendrik Stark, Dusana Dorjee, Fynn-Mathis Trautwein, Pascal Frank, Kira Jade Cooper, Martina Lutz, Matthias Braeunig, Torgeir Ericson, Tenzin Lodoe and Stefan Schmidt
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Stefan Schmidt: Medical Center - Universit of Freiburg

No hs23f_v1, OSF Preprints from Center for Open Science

Abstract: The aggravation of socio-ecological crises can be attributed to human behaviour. The underlying processes are grounded in one’s sense of self - a central aspect of the human mind. We argue that the self represents a blind spot in dominant sustainability discourses, in the sense that it is an invisible but central element that underpins behaviour and guides social development. In particular, we explore reification - a cognitive process that substantiates the self and forms fixed and narrow notions of it. Reification thereby reinforces self-centred cognitive, affective, and motivational patterns underlying unsustainability. In contrast, a flexible, open and reflected sense of self has been demonstrated to foster more considerate and sustainable lifestyles and behaviours. Against this background, we suggest that social contexts that facilitate more reflective and flexible forms of self-awareness are crucial leverage points for sustainability science, policy, and practice.

Date: 2025-02-21
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:osf:osfxxx:hs23f_v1

DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/hs23f_v1

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