Synthesis: Vulnerability, Traps, and Transformations - Long-term Perspectives from Archaeology

Ecology and Society

Michael Schoon¹  Margaret Nelson¹  John M. Anderies¹  Christo Fabricius² 

[1] Arizona State University;Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University;

关键词: archaeology;    robustness;    trade-offs;    transformation;    vulnerability;   

DOI  :  10.5751/ES-04184-160224

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In this synthesis, we hope to accomplish two things: 1) reflect on how the analysis of the new archaeological cases presented in this special feature adds to previous case studiesby revisiting a set of propositions reported in a 2006 special feature, and 2) reflect on four main ideas that are more specific to the archaeological cases: i) societal choices are influenced by robustness-vulnerability trade-offs, ii) there is interplay between robustness-vulnerability trade-offs and robustness-performance trade-offs, iii) societies often get locked in to particular strategies, and iv)multiple positive feedbacks escalate the perceived cost of societal change. We then discuss whether these lock-in traps can be prevented or whether the risks associated with them can be mitigated. We conclude by highlighting how these long-term historical studies can help us to understand current society, societal practices, and the nexus between ecology and society.

【 授权许可】

Unknown