Paper short abstract:

The study of history is an important element of innovations in social-ecological research. Using small-scale fisheries as commons, I offer insights to move beyond theoretical, methodological and disciplinary boundaries as an approach to study transition from vulnerability towards viability.

Paper long abstract:

Innovations in social-ecological research require novel approaches to conceive change in human-environment systems. The study of history constitutes an important element of this process. First, using Chilika Lagoon small-scale fisheries in India as a commons case study, I reflect on the appropriateness of a social-ecological perspective for understanding histories. Second, I examine how changes in various components of the Lagoon social-ecological system influenced and shaped history and the political processes surrounding the deep-rooted vulnerabilities. I discuss the two-way linkages between history and social-ecological (environmental) processes to highlight that the components of a social-ecological system, including economic, social, political and ecological aspects, interact and intersect to define the level of vulnerabilities within the small-scale fisheries of Chilika Lagoon. Social, ecological, economic and political components of a system are interlinked and may jointly contribute to the shaping of specific histories, not separately by drawing lines based on disciplinary boundaries. Based on this synthesis, I offer insights to move beyond theoretical, methodological and disciplinary boundaries as an overarching approach - an inclusive lens - to study not only vulnerabilities but also the processes of transition towards viability.