Authoritarian sustainability and environmental experts are unbearable in two regards. They fail to understand or even consider the local context, and they believe their way of thinking and acting is the only way to create good in the world.
It needs to be understood that this perspective is an over-simplification of the local context. Still, it exemplifies the need for remaining objective. There are many authoritarian types who believe they have the best interests of the world at heart.
What is gained in reality though, if the end result is forcing people to change against their will? Individually or collectively?
This perspective of the local context focuses on a societal setting where women are prevalent. Granted, these are primarily independent and unsocial creatures, and from their perspective, there is very little need for social intercourse. The women however, are particularly controlling and dominant when they are in mixed company.
Within their context, the natural habit is for women to seek out males only for the purpose of mating. After mating, the women kill the men who have mated with them.
From a reasonable perspective, if the average sustainability expert were to encounter such a societal construct, they may desire to enlighten and change the societal norms of their habitual and historical behavior.
For those that believe a new perspective should be introduced, congratulations, the Praying Mantis is now an extinct species. Thanks. But the Praying Mantis is not human.
Authoritarian Sustainability in the Human Context
Authoritarian sustainability experts and authoritarian environmental experts believe strict rules and controls will help people and the planet. These experts often think their ideas are good and necessary.
Sometimes, they do not realize that their methods use force, pressure, or coercion. They may not see that they are using an authoritarian approach. Authoritarian means using power and persuasion to make people follow rules, even if people do not agree or understand.
Far too many of the authoritarian sustainability and environmental experts do not recognize their own authoritarian nature.
The Nature of Authoritarian Sustainability Programs
Authoritarian sustainability programs often set many requirements. People must meet these demands to receive any help or benefits. The experts decide what is best and create strict rules. After all, it is for the common good. It is for the people. The authoritarian sustainability and environmental experts are convinced only they can save the world.
These experts take no heed in regards to the local context, and specific needs and limitations of the local population. They may not ask for opinions from the people who will be affected. Their programs often do not allow for change or feedback. The experts believe their way is the only way.
The authoritarian sustainability and environmental experts do not see the problems with their approach. They do not understand that people do not like being forced to follow rules just for the common good.
A majority of these authoritarian sustainability and environmental experts believe that people will accept the rules because the goal is good and it is for the planet. These experts will not listen to concerns or questions. They will inevitably ignore the local context and the needs and wishes of local communities.
The Hazards of Authoritarian Sustainability Programs
Authoritarian sustainability and environmental programs will cause more problems than they resolve.
People may feel angry or powerless when they cannot make choices. They may not trust the experts or the program. When people do not trust the program, they will not follow the rules. Some may try to avoid or break the rules. This makes the program less effective. It also paves the way for social disruption.
Strict demands will also hurt the most vulnerable people. Some people may not have the resources or ability to meet all the conditions. They may lose access to benefits, even if they need help the most. This can increase inequality and hardship within the community and creates dependence rather than increasing local resilience.
Authoritarian sustainability and environmental programs will also ignore the local context. Experts are unable to understand the genuine needs and constraints of the community. They may create rules that do not fit the local situation. This can lead to waste, confusion, and failure, and again, paves the way not towards sustainable solutions, but only to societal disruption and discord.
Why Sustainability & Environmental Programs Fail
Authoritarian sustainability and environmental programs fail because they do not involve the people they want to help. They ignore both the requirements and constraints of the local context.
When people do not feel included, they will not support the program. When there are mostly burdens and only the occasional benefit, there is no incentive for the people. When the incentive is lost, and when compliance becomes burdensome, even the best intentions cannot save it.
The people will focus on the bad and never see any value in following the rules. Programs that ignore local voices will miss important information. They cannot, or at least will not see problems until it is too late.
When experts set too many conditions, they make it hard for people to get help. People may give up trying. They may feel that the program is unfair or impossible. This reduces the number of people who benefit from the program.
Authoritarian sustainability and environmental programs also create resistance and disruption. People may organize against the program. They may protest or find ways to avoid the rules. This can lead to conflict and even make life and the environment worse for everyone.
The Importance of Participation and Flexibility
Successful sustainability programs listen to the people they serve. They allow for feedback and change. They respect the local context even if they cannot understand the purpose.
When people help shape the program, they are more likely to support it. They feel respected and valued. Stakeholder involvement is not an option, but rather a mandate of successful sustainability and environmental programs.
Programs work better when they are adaptive. They can adjust to local needs and conditions. This helps more people benefit and makes the program stronger. Local residents understand the local context. Selecting public servants from among the local community is a good start. Preventing them from declaring themselves to be leaders is also imperative for success.
Authoritarian sustainability and environmental approaches may seem helpful to some experts. However, these methods often ignore the needs and voices of the people. Strict demands and conditions can hurt the most vulnerable and reduce trust.
These programs often fail not because they are bad, but because they do not include or respect local communities within the local context. Stakeholder participation and adaptivity are key to success in sustainability. Programs that listen and adapt are more likely to help both people and the planet. Authoritarian sustainability and environmental programs will never achieve systemically sustainable human growth and development.