Archetype analysis in sustainability research: meanings, motivations, and 
evidence-based policy making

Oberlack, C.; Sietz, Diana; Bonanomi, E. B.; Bremond, A. de; Dell'Angelo, J.; Eisenack, K.; Ellis, E. C.; Epstein, G.; Giger, M.; Heinimann, A.; Kimmich, C.; Kok, M. T. J.; Manuel-Navarrete, D.; Messerli, P.; Meyfroidt, P.; Vaclavik, T.; Villamayor-Tomas, S.

doi:10.5751/ES-10747-240226

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Archetype analysis in sustainability research: meanings, motivations, and evidence-based policy making

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Oberlack, C.
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/persons/resource/Diana.Sietz

Sietz, Diana
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research;

Bonanomi, E. B.
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Bremond, A. de
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Dell'Angelo, J.
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Eisenack, K.
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Ellis, E. C.
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Epstein, G.
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Giger, M.
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Heinimann, A.
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Kimmich, C.
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Kok, M. T. J.
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Manuel-Navarrete, D.
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Messerli, P.
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Meyfroidt, P.
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Vaclavik, T.
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Villamayor-Tomas, S.
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Citation

Oberlack, C., Sietz, D., Bonanomi, E. B., Bremond, A. d., Dell'Angelo, J., Eisenack, K., Ellis, E. C., Epstein, G., Giger, M., Heinimann, A., Kimmich, C., Kok, M. T. J., Manuel-Navarrete, D., Messerli, P., Meyfroidt, P., Vaclavik, T., Villamayor-Tomas, S. (2019): Archetype analysis in sustainability research: meanings, motivations, and evidence-based policy making. - Ecology and Society, 24, 2, 26.
https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-10747-240226

Cite as: https://publications.pik-potsdam.de/pubman/item/item_23172

Abstract

Archetypes are increasingly used as a methodological approach to understand recurrent patterns in variables and processes that shape the sustainability of social-ecological systems. The rapid growth and diversification of archetype analyses has generated variations, inconsistencies, and confusion about the meanings, potential, and limitations of archetypes. Based on a systematic review, a survey, and a workshop series, we provide a consolidated perspective on the core features and diverse meanings of archetype analysis in sustainability research, the motivations behind it, and its policy relevance. We identify three core features of archetype analysis: recurrent patterns, multiple models, and intermediate abstraction. Two gradients help to apprehend the variety of meanings of archetype analysis that sustainability researchers have developed: (1) understanding archetypes as building blocks or as case typologies and (2) using archetypes for pattern recognition, diagnosis, or scenario development. We demonstrate how archetype analysis has been used to synthesize results from case studies, bridge the gap between global narratives and local realities, foster methodological interplay, and transfer knowledge about sustainability strategies across cases. We also critically examine the potential and limitations of archetype analysis in supporting evidence-based policy making through context-sensitive generalizations with case-level empirical validity. Finally, we identify future priorities, with a view to leveraging the full potential of archetype analysis for supporting sustainable development.