Paradigm-Based Evaluation for Eco-Just Systems Transformation

Abstract

Social and ecological systems shape the extent to which humans and the rest of nature live together in a state of well-being. In this article, we work with two intertwined paradigms (i.e., worldviews) that underlie our social and ecological systems. We describe these paradigms, their historical roots, and their differing connections to clusters of system science concepts. We then explain how we are using these paradigms and system science concepts as the basis of an evaluation design process to support systems transformation toward a just and ecologically healthy civilization. The connection of this evaluation orientation to the decolonization and Indigenization of our social and ecological systems is woven throughout the article.

Keywords

• systems thinking
• machine-based and ecology-based system paradigms
• system science theories
• eco-relational system sciences
• systems transformation
• evaluation design