Digging for nature: human-nature relations in the context of growing plants

Abstract

This study focuses on the interplay between specific relations to nature and more abstract concepts and values regarding the nature of humans and nature and the relationships between humans and nature. We conducted Q sorts and interviews with 25 individuals who were growing plants in gardens, allotments or different kinds of agricultural settings in Scotland. We identified three discourses representing different ways of conceptualising human-nature relationships, namely: 1) Guardianship of fragile nature; 2) Partnership with powerful nature; and 3) Rational anthropocentric management. The different discourses implied different ways of approaching environmental issues and the right way for humans to relate to nature. While the three discourses represented different understandings of human-nature relations, there was also overlap and similarities amongst them. Cross-cutting themes included the notion of balance as a central aim of many ‘growers’ and learning as an important part of growing plants. The study also showed that the respondents’ own practices did not neatly map on to single abstract perspectives, with individuals often drawing on elements of different discourses and commenting on their contradictions. Ultimately, this connected to the question on how to find the right balance between human and non-human interests. Bringing in a relational understanding and acknowledging the plurality of perspectives on human-nature relations, as well as their contradictions, overlaps and tensions, can open up the space for alternative narratives to be reflected in policies but also that structural and systemic changes are required for people to cultivate more benign relations with other-than-humans.

Keywords

• Seb O’Connor
• Relationality
• human-nature relations
• environmental values
• environmental management
• Q-methodology