Sustainable Selves : Shifting Paradigms within Individuals as the Core Driver to Reaching a Sustainable Society

• Main Authors: Bárcena, Zaida, Lind, Jayne Bryant and Jenny
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Avdelningen för maskinteknik 2009
• Subjects: Sustainability; Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development; Sustainable Selves; Paradigm; Qualities; Guidebook; Social Sciences Interdisciplinary; Tvärvetenskapliga studier inom samhällsvetenskap
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-4488

Many people have focussed on the physical or technical aspects of what needs to change in order for us to achieve a sustainable society. These approaches have been vital in addressing major challenges facing our world. This study adds that in order for us to move towards a sustainable society it is fundamental to address the root cause of our unsustainable ways. The focus is at the level of the individual and how they can shift to a new way of thinking, a new paradigm of sustainability as the core driver to reaching a sustainable society. An understanding of the old paradigm and new paradigm is defined, and from literature review and expert feedback, four qualities are proposed that individuals need to develop in order to operate within a new paradigm of sustainability. The study explores and presents some of the most effective ways to develop these qualities within individuals and as a result of this research the authors propose a tool – a guidebook with the intention to help inspire and empower individuals to effect change in their own lives and organizations, live more whole, meaningful and authentic lives and, in this way, move society towards sustainability.