Biocultural evolution, narratives, and emerging cultures of sustainability

Abstract Biocultural evolution has created propensities that guide, largely unconsciously, how species think and behave. Human anthropocentrism leads to a lack of recognition of the propensities shared by Homo sapiens and other species. Human narratives and values reflect these propensities even as they also affect evolution and possible pathways of (un)sustainability for social-ecological systems (SES). Signals and narratives provide information and affective communication that simplify SES complexities and guide thought and behavior. This paper presents key propensities, signals, and a narrative typology to raise conscious awareness of their roles in shaping largely unconscious human priorities that emanate from biocultural evolution and that are unsuited to modern challenges. Four dimensions of values (i.e., experiential, utilitarian, communitarian, transcendental) are also considered, and the transcendental concept of a “realm of knowledge-ends” is presented. The concept posits that because of the cumulative knowledge that they represent, biological and cultural entities ought to be afforded worth and value as “ends-in-themselves”, transcending their immediate utilities. Local-to-regional-to-global approaches are mentioned that could help strive toward this goal and improve global SES sustainability. A case study from New Zealand illustrates how four foundational elements (biocultural propensities, signals, narratives, and values) in the conceptual framework presented by this paper can be used: (a) to enhance critical reflective thinking and analyze modern natural resources and environmental situations; and (b) to create and use records of engagement and decision-making for improved participatory processes and societal engagement. Paying attention to biocultural propensities, signals, narratives, and values can improve sustainability pathways.