Abstract
Though there is increasing recognition of the cultural dimensions that shape climate change adaptation, our experience from working with actors engaged in adaptation policy and practice suggests that the role of culture still tends to be conceived in overly narrow and fixed terms. This is exemplified in portrayals of conservative cultural norms as stifling positive change. A growing body of research across the world indicates that the reality is seldom as simple as this – culture works in complex and variable ways, and, most importantly, is inherently dynamic. Drawing especially from research work on vulnerability and adaptation conducted in semi-arid regions, we illustrate this argument by briefly exploring three themes - multiple knowledge systems for farming in Botswana, the dynamics of pastoralist values and livelihoods in Kenya, and the interplay of caste and livelihood choices in India. Understanding how different facets of culture such as these operate in context helps move away from viewing culture statically as a barrier or enabler, and toward a more plural and dynamic appreciation of the role of culture in adaptation. This includes recognising the potential for factors that may be construed as barriers to become enablers. Critical, balanced engagement with cultural dimensions in both research and practice, understanding and working with these dynamic social structures, is essential if adaptation is to create meaningful and lasting change for those who need it most.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | e687 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 27 Oct 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2021 |
Keywords
- adaptation
- barrier
- climate change
- culture
- enabler
Profiles
-
Roger Few
- School of Global Development - Professorial Research Fellow
- Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research - Member
- Water Security Research Centre - Member
- Area Studies - Member
- Climate Change - Member
- Global Environmental Justice - Member
- Health and Disease - Member
- ClimateUEA - Steering Committee Member
Person: Research & Analogous, Research Group Member, Research Centre Member
-
Mark Tebboth
- School of Global Development - Associate Professor in the Environment and Global Development
- Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research - Member
- Water Security Research Centre - Member
- Global Environmental Justice - Member
- Migration Research Network - Member
- ClimateUEA - Steering Committee Member
Person: Research Group Leader, Research Group Member, Research Centre Member, Academic, Teaching & Research