Archetype analysis of land governance: A systemism research paradigm

Abstract

Land resource use involves the interplay of natural, economic, political and social factors, posing challenges for understanding and governing the complexity of land-use social-ecological systems (SESs). Therefore, this study develops a systemism research paradigm for archetypes of land-related SES governance, including theoretical content, main features and specific approaches. The archetypes of land-related SES governance illustrate the structures, joint effects and underlying mechanisms through which natural, economic, political and social factors interact based on either classical theory or theoretical innovation. Thus, policy implications are proposed to leverage the leading factors and explore the context-specific conditions composed of multiple factors for institutional selection to govern the interconnections among land users, institutions and broad natural and socioeconomic environments of land use.