Understanding polarization, resistance, and barriers to change

RT4.2 examines what characterizes polarized land debates, resistance to change, and cultural, economic, and institutional barriers to sustainable land management. At the same time, we explore how such challenges can be transformed into constructive conversations about values, future visions, and what creates good lives and communities. The research area builds on the Three Spheres of Transformation framework and examines barriers and opportunities for change at practical, political, and personal levels. The goal is to contribute to just and effective transitions towards more sustainable land futures. Through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, we analyze how sustainable practices can be strengthened, while less sustainable practices are gradually phased out. The work involves a wide range of actors and emphasizes dialogue about different interests, values, and perspectives. Increased mutual understanding and inclusion of local and experiential knowledge, as well as indigenous and minority perspectives when relevant, are central. Inspired by agonistic planning and dialogue-based dilemma workshops, we explore how disagreement and conflict can be handled in respectful and constructive ways. The work is based on the premise that full agreement is not always possible, but that democratic dialogue, openness and inclusive participation are essential to building trust and finding ways forward. RT4.2 builds on the work on values, worldviews and narratives in RT4.1, and examines how these are linked to questions of justice, resistance and polarization in land management.