Inner transformation to sustainability as a deep leverage point: fostering new avenues for change through dialogue and reflection
Journal article, 2021

This article provides a rationale for inner transformation as a key and hitherto underresearched dimension of sustainability transformations. Inner transformation relates to various aspects of human existence and interactions such as consciousness, mindsets, values, worldviews, beliefs, spirituality and human-nature connectedness. The article draws on Meadows' leverage points approach, as places to intervene in a system, to reveal the relevance of inner transformation for system change towards sustainability. Based on insights from a series of dialogue and reflection workshops and a literature review, this article provides three important contributions to sustainability transformations research: first, it increases our conceptual understanding of inner transformation and its relevance for sustainability; second, it outlines concrete elements of the inner transformation-sustainability nexus in relation to leverage points; and third, it presents practical examples illustrating how to work with leverage points for supporting inner transformation. In sum, the paper develops a systematized and structured approach to understanding inner transformation, including the identification of deep, i.e., highly influential, leverage points. In addition, it critically discusses the often contentious and divergent perspectives on inner transformation and shows related practical challenges. Finally, current developments in inner transformation research as well as further research needs are identified.

Personal sustainability

Personal spheres of transformation

Values

Mindsets

Inner capacities

Paradigm shift

Interiority

Inner transformation

Deep leverage points

Human development

Worldviews

Consciousness

Author

Christoph Woiwode

RWTH Aachen University

Indian Institute of Technology

Niko Alexander Schäpke

Chalmers, Space, Earth and Environment, Physical Resource Theory

University of Freiburg

Olivia Bina

University of Lisbon

Stella Veciana

Global Ecovillage Network (GEN)

Leuphana University of Lüneburg

Iris Kunze

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences

Oliver Parodi

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Petra Schweizer-Ries

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Christine Wamsler

Lund University

Sustainability Science

1862-4065 (ISSN) 1862-4057 (eISSN)

Vol. 16 3 841-858

Subject Categories

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Human Geography

Information Systemes, Social aspects

DOI

10.1007/s11625-020-00882-y

More information

Latest update

5/29/2024