What is Transformation?
Joseph A. Tainter
Utah State University
Topics
1.
2.
3.
What does “transformation” mean?
Can we think broadly as transformation
requires?
Using the four questions of sustainability to
address transformation.
Topics
1.
2.
3.
What does “transformation” mean?
Can we think broadly as transformation
requires?
Using the four questions of sustainability to
address transformation.
Meanings of Sustainability

A sustainable ceasefire
Condoleeza Rice

A “sustainable cease-fire,
a cease-fire which will
last”
George W. Bush
One Can Sustain:







agriculture
biodiversity
ecosystems
energy
firms
forests
income
institutions
 markets
 rangelands
 ways of life
 well-being
 wetlands
…and ceasefires.

Sustainable Eye Shadow
(Urban Decay Sustainable Eye Shadow Palette Set)
(includes an “eco-friendly brush”)
Sustain


Latin sustinere: To support underneath; to
uphold.
Old French soustenir: To support underneath; to
uphold.
Sustain
Oxford English Dictionary
Definition 3:
“Cause to continue in a certain state; maintain at
the proper level or standard.”
Definition 5:
“Support life in; provide for the life or needs of.”
To sustain something is to support its
continuation.
Transformation

Transformation is qualitative change, a change in
the state of a system.
Ring Species
Transformation is Qualitative Change
Topics
1.
2.
3.
What does “transformation” mean?
Can we think broadly as transformation
requires?
Using the four questions of sustainability to
address transformation.
Four Questions of Sustainability
or Transformation




What?
For whom?
For how long?
At what cost?
Four Questions of Sustainability
or Transformation
 Sustain



or transformation what?
For whom?
For how long?
At what cost?
Sustain or Transform What?
Sustainability goals will usually involve some
aspects of a familiar and valued way of life.
Four Questions of Sustainability
or Transformation

Sustain what?
 For


whom?
For how long?
At what cost?
Sustainability or Transformation
Conflicts

Who wins?

Who loses?
Four Questions of Sustainability
Or Transformation


Sustain what?
For whom?
 For

how long?
At what cost?
Sustainability or Transformation
Efforts

For how long is a sustainability/transformation
effort in effect?

What triggers a reassessment?
Four Questions of Sustainability
Or Transformation



Sustain what?
For whom?
For how long?
 At
what cost?
Key Points
1.
Transformation is most evident in hindsight.
Key Points
1.
2.
Transformation is most evident in hindsight.
Transformation is difficult to anticipate or
direct.
Key Points
1.
2.
3.
Transformation is most evident in hindsight.
Transformation is difficult to anticipate or
direct.
Transformation can be appropriated and/or
generate conflict.
Key Points
1.
2.
3.
4.
Transformation is most evident in hindsight.
Transformation is difficult to anticipate or
direct.
Transformation can be appropriated and/or
generate conflict.
Approach transformation rigorously. Be logical,
explicit, and consistent.