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Cultural Niche Construction as a Framework for Reorienting Human-Environment Relations
Michiru Nagatsu1, Roope O Kaaronen2, Mikko Salmela1,3
1Practical Philosophy and Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), University of Helsinki.
Topics in Cognitive Science
|June 23, 2023
Summary
The theory of cultural niche construction offers a valuable framework for understanding and managing human-environment interactions. This approach integrates evolutionary, social, cognitive, and urban contexts to provide practical insights for urban design and policy.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Social sciences
- Environmental psychology
- Urban planning
Background:
- Niche construction theory originated in evolutionary biology, explaining how organisms modify their environments.
- The theory has been extended to social and psychological contexts, highlighting human agency in shaping environments.
- Human-environment relationships are complex, involving cognitive and affective dimensions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose cultural niche construction as a framework for studying human-environment relationships.
- To explore cognitive, affective, and urban dimensions of niche construction.
- To demonstrate the practical applications of niche construction in urban design and policy.
Main Methods:
- Review of niche construction theory from evolutionary to social contexts.
- Analysis of cognitive and affective goals achieved through environmental engagement.
- Examination of urban design and policy through the lens of niche construction.
Main Results:
- Cultural niche construction provides a unified framework for human-environment interactions.
- Cognitive and affective niche construction explain goal achievement through environmental engagement.
- Urban niche construction offers insights into urban design and policy initiatives.
Conclusions:
- Cultural niche construction is a robust theoretical and practical framework.
- The framework enhances understanding and management of human-environment relationships.
- It offers valuable perspectives for urban planning and policy development.
Keywords:
Cognitive and affective nicheConceptual engineeringHuman−nature relationsNiche constructionScaffolded cognitionSustainabilityUrban designMore Related Videos
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