Bleeker, Ruben (2023) ECOVILLAGES AS CATALYSTS FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITION IN THE GLOBAL NORTH: A CASE STUDY ON WOLDWIJK'S ROLE IN CHALLENGING THE WESTERN DOMINANT SOCIAL PARADIGM. Master thesis.
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Abstract
In the context of the ongoing climate crisis and unsustainable living practices, intentional communities emerged as alternative models for sustainable living. Among these, ecovillages stand out as experimental spaces for exploring self-sufficiency, sustainable practices, and innovative lifestyles. This study focuses on the potential role of ecovillages, using Woldwijk as a case study, in challenging the Western Dominant Social Paradigm (DSP) towards sustainability. The research encompasses ethnographic research within Woldwijk. Ecovillages like Woldwijk are envisioned as potential catalysts for societal transformation, challenging the dominant paradigms of continuous economic growth and consumption. Woldwijk, situated in the north of the Netherlands, operates under a temporary lease arrangement with a municipality, making it a unique living laboratory for sustainable practices. This research explores how Woldwijk's initiatives and practices align with the principles of sustainability, its challenges, and opportunities for integration into mainstream society. The study reveals that while Woldwijk displays a high degree of inviting openness, fostering connections within the broader community remains a challenge. The allocation of private space influences social engagement, suggesting that communal spaces could enhance interaction. Woldwijk's embeddedness in the region is growing, albeit slowly, with activities enhancing the liveability of the surroundings. This recommends tighter collaboration between the municipality of Groningen and Woldwijk. The findings also highlight practices with the potential for translation. The research concludes that ecovillages like Woldwijk exhibit the potential to challenge the Western DSP by promoting sustainable practices and innovations. While not a panacea, they offer insights into alternative sustainable living. This study emphasizes the need for greater collaboration between ecovillages and mainstream institutions to maximize their impact.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Society, Sustainability and Planning (MSc Socio-spatial Planning) |
| Supervisor: | Trell-Zuidema, E.M. |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Dec 2023 12:12 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Dec 2023 12:12 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4427 |
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