Psychology for sustainability
Do you believe it’s worth making a better world where both humans and ecological systems can flourish ?
If you do, then you may enjoy ‘Psychology For A Better World’, published by University of Auckland Associate Professor of Psychology, Niki Harre´.
Her book, sub-titled ‘ Strategies to Inspire Sustainability’, is based on the latest research in psychology and is packed full of action strategies.
Positive Emotions And Creativity
Nikki offers new ways to think about how people interact in social settings, about why people are tempted to stick with the familiar, and about how the same characteristics that keep people hooked on unsustainable practices can be used to move them forward.
The book includes chapters on positive emotions and flow — encouraging creativity and commitment; copying — the power of doing and telling; identity — the role of who we are and where we belong; and morality and co-operation — making the most of our desire to be good.
It contains numerous strategies for inspiring others to join in with those trying to make a difference — from the teacher updating their class on climate change negotiations, or a counsellor lobbying for cycle lanes, to someone opting to buy Fair Trade Coffee or installing solar panels, and for everyone who believes that a sustainable world is possible and desirable.
Sustainability As Collective Enterprise
“Instead of simply summarising the implications of various studies, I’ve tried to provide a sense of how the research was conducted, so that you can draw your own conclusions,” says Dr Harre´.
There are three principals that underlie her book. These include an emphasis on sustainability as a collective social enterprise with the goal of finding new ways to manage people. This is distinct from problem based approaches which tend to invalidate attempts to create a better world.
She argues that if people are too focussed on the view that sustainability is a problem, they will be vulnerable to the latest shift in opinion and the solutions will always be contentious.
If people see themselves instead, as helping to create a viable alternative to this way of life, the meaning of what they do changes.
Dramatic Effect On the Social World
The emphasis needs to be on trying strategies and taking small steps and risks to work together in creating a sustainable world.
The best action is not one that has the most dramatic effect on the physical world, but one that has most dramatic effect on the social world, she says.
In those terms, a green building is as much a solution as an awareness raising campaign, or a new government policy, as they are all part of the same collective enterprise.
Engaging Positive Strategies
Another principal that underlies her book, is that of focussing on positive strategies that are fun, engaging and uplifting. This attracts people to the collective action, and motivates them to get involved.
It is about not only creating a better world that is more conducive to humans thriving, but also ensuring that human thriving is created in the process.
Dr Harre´also believes that it is not about ‘behavoural change’, but about showing, persuading, and inspiring people to join in to become active and creative advocates for a sustainable world.
A Negotiation With Equals
She says that no-one has the ultimate moral or scientific truth, and sustainability advocates need to provide evidence for their statements and appeal to higher values.
Sometimes, “I just want to live like that” may be a more honest and powerful statement than, “this is the way it has to be if we are to survive as a species”.
“We are all just people living as people always have — that is, with some notion of how the world works and a lot of ideas on how it could work better,” she says.
In the final chapter, Dr Harre´ provides a guide to help sustainability advocates analyse what they are doing, or could do, to contribute towards a better world while at the same time increasing their personal well-being.
Empowering People To Collective Action
She discusses three levels at which people can take sustainability action, including the personal or lifestyle level, the group level, and the civic level.
The guide includes work sheets to enable readers to analyse their possible present and future actions at each level.
“By the end of the book, I hope you are empowered to continue and expand your role in our collective effort to make a better world,” says Dr Harre´.
Psychology For A Better World is available as a free download and hard copies in paperback printed on 100% recycled paper, can also be ordered from the book website.
