Dissertation
Exploration of internal and external indicators of social change in sustainable communities: A futures perspective
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00523
Abstract
This thesis addresses some of the most pressing issues of contemporary society, such as widespread unsustainable practices, including armed conflict, and the worldviews underlying them, as well as the likely consequences of the current social change. Conflicts and rapid changes taking place in our postmodern society need to be evaluated and understood in a broader historical context, to enable progress towards sustainable futures. The wide historical perspective of this research is facilitated by macrohistory, and more specifically Sorokin Pitirim's theory of social change (the pendulum model). Macrohistory, as methodology, is embedded in the discipline of futures studies. This thesis by publication proceeds from analysis of external indicators of social change to ever deepening layers of internal indicators, as expressed in sustainable communities. Firstly, the thesis presents case studies of three sustainable communities as representatives of the three categories constituting the innovative taxonomy Models of Sustainable Communities, developed by the author of this thesis. These three sustainable communities: Damanhur (Italy), Toarps Ekoby (Sweden) and Masdar City (United Arab Emirates), offer diverse 'slow living' alternatives to the prevailing fast paced Western lifestyle. Further, analysis of external indicators of social change was completed through case studies of sustainable communities (Sippy Downs, Australia, and Masdar City, United Arab Emirates) by contrasting their external features and underlying worldviews, to elicit trends in the social change of the 21st century. The macrohistory analysis based on the above case studies found that Western society is currently in the late sensate phase of sociocultural development, based on Sorokin's pendulum theory, and is transitioning into the next idealistic epoch.
Details
- Title
- Exploration of internal and external indicators of social change in sustainable communities: A futures perspective
- Authors
- Marta Botta
- Contributors
- Marcus P Bussey (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00523
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Engage Research Lab; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451205802621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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