Society/nature: Enactive perspectives for social systems theory

Abstract

This article examines the society/nature distinction within sociological and anthropological discourse, particularly concerning Luhmann’s social systems theory. The increasing urgency surrounding climate change and the complexities of the Anthropocene has necessitated reconsidering this dichotomy, often seen as reinforcing sociocentrism. Social systems theory’s emphasis on the system/environment distinction has overlooked the importance of the environment, relegating it to a mere backdrop for societal functioning. By engaging with three critical perspectives – Ontological Relativism, Transcendent Connectionism, and Circular Cosmologism – we emphasize both the contributions and shortcomings of social systems theory in this regard. We then propose a synthesis of these insights through a systemic enactive approach, suggesting that its theoretical framework can enhance our understanding of the society/nature distinction within social systems theory. Ultimately, this article aims to open new research avenues that address the intricate relationship between social systems and their natural environments.