A review of private forest owner typologies with potential to contribute to social milieu research in forest policy

Abstract

This paper explores recent research on private forest owner (PFO) typologies in forest policy, particularly those moving beyond traditional socio-demographic and structural factors, to assess their potential contribution to social milieu research in forestry. While PFO typology research is well-established and diverse, social milieu studies in forestry remain relatively novel and geographically limited, with most work conducted in Germany. Given the increasing relevance of social milieu approaches in the social sciences, this review investigates how recent PFO studies might inform the theoretical, methodological, and empirical development of milieu research.

We identified over 20 contemporary PFO studies that demonstrate strong conceptual overlaps with social milieu frameworks, particularly regarding social networks, personality traits and values, prosocial behaviour, lifestyle, social influences, place attachment, and identity. These studies often employ mixed-method designs, offering added value to social milieu research, which has primarily relied on large-scale quantitative surveys. Methodologically, such approaches enhance data triangulation and support the operationalisation of milieu concepts in both academic and applied settings.

Empirically, PFO studies contribute valuable data on both general social and forest related dimensions (e.g., attitudes, activities and networks), facilitating cross-domain integration. Furthermore, their broader geographical scope can complement the currently German-centric milieu literature.

In conclusion, PFO typology research and social milieu research are mutually beneficial. PFO studies can inform and enhance social milieu approaches in forestry, while milieu frameworks offer PFO research a richer lens through which to understand forest owner diversity in a changing societal context.