What the study found
The paper argues that symbolic power and socially endorsed beliefs help explain why some values of nature become legitimate and institutionalised while others remain marginal. It presents values as evolving through feedback between personal commitments and socially endorsed beliefs, shaped by everyday practices.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that this framework helps advance sustainability transformations by explaining how moral and institutional orders can be reconfigured. The study suggests that disruptive events and deliberative spaces may create entry points for shifts in the symbolic legitimacy of values.
What the researchers tested
The authors developed a conceptual framework that brings together symbolic power and socially endorsed beliefs. They then used an illustrative case of small-scale fisheries governance in Japan to show how the framework can be applied.
What worked and what didn't
In the Japanese fisheries case, symbolic power appears to stabilise existing arrangements. The paper also indicates that the same conditions can shape, but not guarantee, possibilities for transformation.
What to keep in mind
This is a conceptual paper with an illustrative case, not a report of a comparative or experimental test. The abstract does not describe specific data, measures, or detailed limitations.
Key points
- The paper links symbolic power with the legitimacy of values of nature.
- Values are described as changing through feedback between personal commitments and socially endorsed beliefs.
- Everyday practices, disruptive events, and deliberative spaces are presented as important for value change.
- The Japanese small-scale fisheries case illustrates how symbolic power can stabilise existing arrangements.
- The abstract does not provide detailed empirical methods or specific limitations.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Symbolic power shapes which nature values gain legitimacy
- Authors:
- Hiroe Ishihara, Unai Pascual
- Institutions:
- Basque Centre for Climate Change, Ikerbasque, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, The University of Tokyo
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-30
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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