The relevance of social-milieus for forest policy research – insights from a Germany-focused review

Abstract

This paper investigates the relevance and integration potential of social milieu approaches - particularly the Sinus Milieus framework - within forest policy research. Drawing on a literature review focused primarily on Germany, it synthesises insights from forest-related studies, as well as from other sectors such as environmental behaviour, transport, and media use. While traditional forest policy and private forest owner (PFO) studies have emphasised socio-demographic and structural variables, emerging evidence suggests that social milieus may offer improved explanatory power for forest-related attitudes and behaviours.

Results show that only a limited number of studies have applied social milieu typologies to forestry, relying mostly on quantitative methods, revealing differences between PFOs and the broader population in their affiliation with distinct social milieus. Evidence from other sectors underscores the potential of milieu approaches to enhance explanatory value. The review also highlights how such studies can inform the definition, operationalisation, and identification of milieus. However, differences in forest-related attitudes and behaviours among PFOs from different milieus, as well as the overall explanatory value of milieus, remain underexplored. Additionally, findings from non-milieu PFO research - covering social networks, values, identity, and personality traits - conceptually align with milieu-based frameworks and offer integration potential.

The paper identifies both methodological and empirical opportunities and challenges. Mixed-methods approaches and transdisciplinary formats, such as learning labs and focus groups, are needed to capture the complexity of forestry-distant milieus. Ultimately, social milieus offer a promising typological lens that can support more inclusive, differentiated, and effective forest policy development.