Valuing third sector sustainability organisations – qualitative contributions to systemic social transformation

Anna Lyth; Claudia Baldwin; Aidan Davison; Pedro Fidelman; Kate Booth; Caroline Osborne

doi:10.1080/13549839.2016.1149457

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Valuing third sector sustainability organisations – qualitative contributions to systemic social transformation

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Valuing third sector sustainability organisations – qualitative contributions to systemic social transformation

Anna Lyth, Claudia Baldwin, Aidan Davison, Pedro Fidelman, Kate Booth and Caroline Osborne

Local Environment, Vol.22(1), pp.1-21

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2016.1149457

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Abstract

third sector organisations

sustainability

social transformation

community resilience

The number and diversity of civil society or third sector sustainability organisations (TSSOs) have increased in recent decades. TSSOs play aprominent role in local approaches to sustainability. However, the contributions made by TSSOs are not fully understood, beyond a limited suite of quantifiable outputs and impacts. In this qualitative study, we examine how four TSSOs from two Australian regions, Tasmania and Queensland's Sunshine Coast, contribute to social transformation beyond discrete outputs. We examine the operation, ethos, scope and influence of these organisations over time. In so doing, we identify three common ways in which these organisations facilitate social change: by (i) enhancing social connectivity through boundary work; (ii) mobilising participatory citizenship and (iii) contributing to social learning. We conclude that TSSOs contribute significantly to the systemic social conditions that enable change for sustainability and the development of community resilience and well-being, but do so in ways undervalued by existing metrics, formal evaluation processes and funding models. Clearer recognition of, and strategic emphasis on, these qualitative contributions to social transformation is vital in ensuring that TSSOs remain viable and effective over the long term.

Details

Title: Valuing third sector sustainability organisations – qualitative contributions to systemic social transformation
Authors: Anna Lyth (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Claudia Baldwin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Aidan Davison (Author) - University of Tasmania
Pedro Fidelman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Kate Booth (Author) - University of Tasmania
Caroline Osborne (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Publication details: Local Environment, Vol.22(1), pp.1-21
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.1080/13549839.2016.1149457
ISSN: 1354-9839
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Community Engagement; Engage Research Lab; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449272902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Studies; Geography; Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Regional & Urban Planning; Urban Studies

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