Journal article
Structural Power Dynamics in Polycentric Water Governance Networks
Society & Natural Resources, Vol.37(3), pp.402-427
2024
Abstract
Water security is severely threatened by climate change. Building resilient catchments is key to reduce water insecurity, yet power dynamics that generate ineffective governance responses can hinder such resilience building. This research uses an Australian water governance process to study the power dynamics that underpin polycentric governance networks. Combining network theory and Lukes’ structural power concept is a novel methodology tested for its suitability to investigate structural power. We conducted a Social Network Analysis to identify dominant and marginalized stakeholders and validated the results with interview data. Our findings suggest that combining network theory and Lukes’ structural power concept is a useful methodology to identify power dynamics that manifest in polycentric governance structures. This research adds to the methodological foundations of power-related social network research and exemplifies how structural power dynamics, like control over information use, influence the effectiveness of polycentric governance processes and impact desired outcomes like catchment resilience.
Details
- Title
- Structural Power Dynamics in Polycentric Water Governance Networks
- Authors
- Lisa McIlwain (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyJulia Baird (Author) - Brock UniversityClaudia Baldwin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyGary J Pickering (Author) - Brock UniversityCatherine Manathunga (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary Access
- Publication details
- Society & Natural Resources, Vol.37(3), pp.402-427
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Inc.
- DOI
- 10.1080/08941920.2023.2288668
- ISSN
- 1521-0723
- Grant note
- Funding was provided by the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) and Brock University (Canada). JB’s contribution is supported in part by the Canada Research Chairs program.
- Organisation Unit
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; Sustainability Research Centre; Engage Research Lab; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99982894602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
16 Record Views