Living on the Edge: A Complexity-Informed Exploration of the Human–Water Relationship

Simmons, Bruce L; Woog, Robert; Dimitrov, Vladimir

doi:10.1080/02604020601174927

Cited by 13 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…In the context of the Anthropocene crises that we face, let us consider the hydrological cycle as a CAS, upon which other systems such as human systems rely (Mueller 2020;Hawke and Pálsson 2017;Simmons, Woog, and Dimitrov 2007), and in which many systems are 'nested'. Simmons, Woog, and Dimitrov (2007) explain that the hydrological cycle demonstrates 'uncertainty', as it is beholden to a series of other conditions, including the impacts of variant weather and human industrialisation and excessive need of water to feed those industries thereby situating the cycle on the 'Edge of Chaos' from the outset. Further that: 'human engagement with water generates an intersection of two systems: the human economy and the earth's hydrological system' (276).…”

Section: Example A: the Elwha River Waterscape As A Complex Adaptive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Let us look at the example of the Elwha River waterscape USA, within the broader water cycle, to demonstrate CAS and how both external perturbance and intersecting human factors can radically alter a system, both negatively and positively. Simmons, Woog, and Dimitrov (2007) suggests that '[a]lthough water is vital for human survival and growth, the point where human endeavour intersects is the most variable and uncertain in the hydrological system' (276). Every river and body of water (including rain, mist, ice and water in plants for example), seen or unseen, constitutes part of the water cycle, and its entanglements with other elemental and species systems.…”

Section: Example A: the Elwha River Waterscape As A Complex Adaptive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Anthropocene challenges for youth research: understanding agency and change through complex, adaptive systems

Spannring

Hawke

2021

Journal of Youth Studies

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The Anthropocene has come to signify human dominance over the more-than-human world with all its negative consequences for this planet's human and nonhuman inhabitants. As young people have started to express their feelings of concern and frustration with the inertia of the political elites, youth research, too, is called upon to reconsider and broaden its perspective. In particular, we argue, that the Anthropocene challenges anthropocentrism, dualisms, and traditional notions of agency in youth research, and must be critiqued through multi-disciplinary investigation. A transgression of the mainstream paradigm in youth research through the perspective of Complex Adaptive Systems Theory (CAS) could provide much needed analyses of a broad range of issues at the intersection of youth and ecological concerns. This article will therefore outline Complex Adaptive Systems Theory (CAS) as a multi-disciplinary tool, and apply it to two examples: the biosocial system of the Elwha River waterscape, and the #Fridays for Future strikes that are both motivated by environmental concerns. Finally, it discusses the possible contributions of a CAS approach in youth research to a better understanding of agency and change in ecologically turbulent times.

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Section: Example A: the Elwha River Waterscape As A Complex Adaptive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Example A: the Elwha River Waterscape As A Complex Adaptive Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anthropocene challenges for youth research: understanding agency and change through complex, adaptive systems

Spannring

Hawke

2021

Journal of Youth Studies

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“…The concept of the human-water relationship has been a topic of research for many years (Turner II et al 1990;Simmons et al 2007). Recently it has become clear that the increase of population and the intensification of human activities are leading to increased tension between humans and water resources, which calls for macro control to maintain a harmonious relationship (Lautze et al 2005;Ding et al 2014a, b).…”

Section: Relationships Between Human and Water In The Long Historical Periodmentioning

confidence: 99%

Socio-Environmental Dynamics along the Historical Silk Road

Yang¹,

Bork²,

Fang³

et al. 2019

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adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this book are included in the book's Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the book's Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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“…Managers of complex adaptive systems can change the environment to which system components will adapt and thus influence the progress and the variety of emerging potential behaviors (Simmons, Woog & Dimitrov, 2007;Anderson, 1999). In a similar vein, large organizations in modern industrial societies are capable of manipulating their environments (Galbraith, 2007).…”

Section: Environmental Manipulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Managing schools as complex adaptive systems: A strategic perspective

Fidan

2017

iejee

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This conceptual study examines the analogies between schools and complex adaptive systems and identifies strategies used to manage schools as complex adaptive systems. Complex adaptive systems approach, introduced by the complexity theory, requires school administrators to develop new skills and strategies to realize their agendas in an ever-changing and complexifying environment without any expectations of stability and predictability. The results indicated that in this period administrators need to have basic skills such as (a) diagnosing patterns emerging from complexity, (b) manipulating the environment by anticipating potential patterns organizations may evolve into, (c) choosing organizational structures compatible with an ever-changing and complexifying environment and (d) promoting innovation to create and manage organizational changes. Although these skills enable administrators to reduce complexity into a manageable form to some extent, stakeholders' having a common perspective regarding their schools and environments, and executing their activities in accordance with a shared vision are required to turn these skills into complexity management strategies.

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Living on the Edge: A Complexity-Informed Exploration of the Human–Water Relationship

Cited by 13 publications

References 3 publications

Anthropocene challenges for youth research: understanding agency and change through complex, adaptive systems

Anthropocene challenges for youth research: understanding agency and change through complex, adaptive systems

Socio-Environmental Dynamics along the Historical Silk Road

Managing schools as complex adaptive systems: A strategic perspective

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