A1 Journal article (refereed)
The intricate diversity of human–nature relations : Evidence from Finland (2024)

Raatikainen, K. J., Tupala, A.-K., Niemelä, R., & Laulumaa, A.-M. (2024). The intricate diversity of human–nature relations : Evidence from Finland. Ambio, 53(2), 181-200. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-023-01933-1

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Raatikainen, Kaisa J.; Tupala, Anna-Kaisa; Niemelä, Riikka; Laulumaa, Anna-Mari

Journal or series: Ambio

ISSN: 0044-7447

eISSN: 1654-7209

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 29/09/2023

Volume: 53

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 181-200

Publisher: Springer; Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Publication country: Sweden

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-023-01933-1

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/89329

Abstract

Supporting sustainability requires understanding human–nature relations, which we approached as social constructions that can be studied through nature-related discourses. We examined human–nature relations in Finland by combining approaches from environmental social sciences and arts-based research into a mixed-methods design. A public online survey (n = 726) and post-performance audience interviews (n = 71) portrayed nature positively. Respondents’ ideas of nature ranged from natural scientific to philosophical; from dualistic to holistic; and from ecocentric to anthropocentric. A factor analysis revealed discourses focusing on wellbeing, conservation, ecoanxiety, pro-environmentalism, outdoor activity, and enjoying nature. Interviews added spiritual and over-generational aspects and revealed the importance of embodied experiences in nature relations. We identified dimensions that structure the relations, including human–nature positionality, engagement and contact with nature, and conception and thought. The emotional and experiential aspects, and nature-related practices, deserve further research. We demonstrate how a diversity of human–nature relations co-exists and co-evolves.

Keywords: relation to nature; nature; sustainable development; sustainability science; discourse research; interdisciplinary research

Free keywords: art&science; mixed-methods; nature connectedness; relationalism; sustainability; transdisciplinary research

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 2