How to Concretize Research on the Coupling of Ecosystems to Human Activities? From Socioeconomic Indicators to Styles of Living and Acting

摘要

Recent ecological studies have identified human activity as a relevant dimensionof current evolutionary processes. However, most of these studiesrely on socioeconomic indicators that consider the impact of activities onecosystems but have only limited informative value on the effects of concretepatterns of action. This paper focuses on the concept of style as a toolfor the study of the interface between society and nature. We exemplify ourthesis with reference to changes in plant biodiversity in settlements, andstart by summing up the methods and findings of our interdisciplinary researchproject that aimed to explain the distribution of native and alienplants. Since the findings indicate that styles of living and acting influenceplant species composition, we apply the findings of our research strategybeyond the narrow focus of our study. Finally, we comment on methodologicalimplications for the study of the societal aspects of social-ecologicalsystems.