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Introduction to the Theory of HES

Cultural Studies

Prof. Dr. Klaus Seeland, M.A.

© ETH Zürich | Taskforce Kommunikation

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Introduction to the Theory of HES

Cultural Studies (22 & 29 September)Cultural perspectives on Human Enviroment systems in

the Himalayan Ecosystem

Three Theoretical topics (22 September):- Vertical structures of decision making with regard to ethnicity,

environment and religion

- Highland – lowland interaction in the wider Himalayan context

- Migration as strategy selection in environmental decision making

Case Study (29 September)

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Introduction to the Theory of HES

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Introduction to the Theory of HES

Cell

Organ

Individual / Family / Clan

Ethnic groups / castes

Societal interest groups

Supranational system

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Introduction to the Theory of HES

Vertical structures of decision making with regard to ethnicity, environment and religion

- multiple layers of decision making affecting each other without co-ordination due to ethnical or caste preferences

- vertically structured land use is related to ritual purity and caste status (religion)

- decision making is hierarchical with regard to local social status and power

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Introduction to the Theory of HES

Highland – lowland interaction in the wider Himalayan context

Transhimalayan tradeTranshumance Agro-Ecosystems (livestock herding-cum-trading

of commodities)Vertical impact of irrigation structures (terraces, canals, rain-fed

and shifting cultivation)Subsistence economy, outbound employment and back-migration

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Introduction to the Theory of HES

Migration as strategy selection in environmental decision making

• Immigration and emigration in the Himalayas a continuos process over centuries (social status reverse to altitude and supported by ethnic ties and caste)

• Demographic elasticity as tool of sustainable land use in the Himalayan hills and alpine regions

• Migration not limited by national borders (stay – leave & come back patterns prevail in the Central Himalayas)

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Introduction to the Theory of HES

Working group assignments:

1.    How are vertical structures of mountain environments and decision

making related to each other with regard to ethnicity and religion?

2.     How important is highland – lowland interaction in the vertically

structured wider Himalayan land use context?

3.     In what way is migration a strategy selection in environmental decision

making in a vertically structured mountain environment?

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Cultural differences (cd) in HES

Cd are represented in habitats (J. Steward)

Cd regarding dietary habits and prescriptions

Cd are visible in distinct land use, land tenure

and patterns of interaction between cultures

Theory of „Patterns of Culture“ (R. Benedict)

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Synthesis Lecture – Cultural Perspective

HES make an integrated whole – there is no

„interaction“ in the strict sense except

interventions from outside the HES

Regulatory mechanisms and primary &

secondary feedback loops are becoming more &

more relevant in future as they have to cope with

social change

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Synthesis Lecture – Cultural Perspective

Examples of regulatory mechanisms:

- Absentism and elasticity of the local system- Immigration and emmigration- Remittance based local economies- Increased verticality - Transhumance and long distance trading- Adapted marriage pattern (e.g. polyandry)