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Paper short abstract

This paper integrates commoning and conflict mediation literatures to analyse relational dynamics which cement contested socio-technical futures.

Paper long abstract

Commoning is an “experiment with ways of being-in-common with the world” (Garcia-Lopez, Lang and Singh, 2021). It involves learning how to relate to one another through practicing humility, seeking out collaboration, and recognising interdependence. Ultimately, commoning means cultivating productive relational dynamics whereby conflict within and between communities can be creatively and pragmatically navigated. However, dysfunctional relational dynamics can and do cement conflict in ways which undermine “being-in-common”. This paper explores how such relational failures are entangled with contested sociotechnical imaginaries and result in processes of “uncommoning”.

Such dynamics are explored through the case of UK civil society debates around genetic technologies in agriculture. Division and conflict over genetic technologies in agriculture arose during the late 1990s and 2000s, resulting from protest and intense public debate. Whilst the prominence of this conflict has declined within the media, narratives of division and conflict persist. This is evident within civil society responses to the UK Government’s Genetic Technologies (Precision-Breeding) 2023 Act. Those interested and/or concerned with this legislation position one another as holding rival beliefs and identities. Absent amongst these individuals and organisations is attention towards engaging with those they disagree with in a way which can transform how they relate to one another.

This paper will integrate commoning and conflict mediations literatures to analyse the relational dynamics which lead to “uncommoning”. By doing so, it hopes to offer pragmatic, action orientated reflections for the commoning of sociotechnical imaginaries.