The third imperative: framework for the relational values of nature

• Main Author: Tan, Rebecca Si En
• Other Authors: Natasha Bhatia
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Sciences; Relational values; Thematic analysis; Framework; Sustainability; Qualitative analysis; Social bonding; Care; Spiritual; Eudaimonia; Good and meaningful life; Instrumental values; Nature
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/174818
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Current work on the values of nature tends to focus on intrinsic and instrumental values of nature. In the face of escalating climate issues, however, it is becoming increasingly important to accurately identify and target people’s motivations in supporting sustainable policy. These motivations have been hypothesised to better align with a novel conception dubbed the “relational values” (RVs) of nature, which focus on how human-nature interactions affect the relationships between both humans-to-nature and humans-to-humans. However, current literature on RVs is extremely diverse, articulated in over 300 unique ways. Hence, this project sets out to operationalise RVs into a consistent framework so that it can be better studied and compared in future research. The RVs are first delineated into three distinct categories - social bonding, care, and spiritual, although a note is made that these RVs can lead to a fourth RV of eudaimonia (leading a good and meaningful life). This framework is then tested empirically through 30 surveys in a Singapore park and analysed mainly through a qualitative approach of thematic analysis. The analysis provides at least a preliminary support of the framework as one that can a) identify and differentiate different RVs, b) analyse RVs both individually and where overlapping, and c) be selective in its approach. Some adjustments were made post-survey to include the learnings from emergent themes, as well as a further conceptualisation of the differences between RVs and instrumental values, which may be confused in empirical study.