“Dealing with the devine – new orientations for monasterial life and economy in the sectors agriculture, forestry, energy, human nutrition, tourism (LFEnErT)”
Abstract
General working hypothesis: The project is based on the assumptions that previously developed paths of monasterial activities in the sectors LFEnErT were shaped by proper spiritual foundations and historical models of monasterial ways of living as well as by the political, economic, social and technical development of societal environment and their upheavals. The assumed organisational and personal need for investment in the field LFEnErT is strongly competing with other economic fields of the monasteries. These determining factors and interdependencies as well as the different situation in the environmental sector require an adjustment of the monasterial mission and a debate concerning the objectives and criteria of sustainable development. Theologic, sociologic, economic, ecologic and organizational theoretic approaches reveal information about the potential and conditions for implementation processes. Subojectives/ research questions: The project pursues the question, which opportunities for monastic life and economic activity are provided considering rapid changes in the social environment, in the structure and in the scope of duties of the monasteries regarding sustainable development and their own spiritual foundation. Also the previous development process, future perspectives, quality standards and cooperation opportunities should be reflected from the outside view of important, mainly regional institutions and stakeholders connected with the monasteries and afterwards contrasted with internal view of the monasteries. Thus should provide both monasteries and their stakeholders impulses and the basis for a practical sustainable realignment of their economic activities and interactions. A comparison between Austrian and German monasteries should contrast the influences of historical and political developments. The inter- and transdisciplinary organised project is structured into tree main subobjectives: How have monasteries developed in dealing with the Creation to date? Which position in the sectors LFEnErT should be aimed for in the future scenarios? How can the new orientation inside and outside the monasteries be transferred and communicated? Target groups: The target groups contain secular members and persons in charge of the monastic business affairs in six monasteries, as well as the most important stakeholders and institutions in the environment of the monastery and teachers and pupils of a Pilgrim School. Methods: The research project will use document analysis, qualitative interviews (e.g. guided interview, narrative interview, expert interview), valuation methods, ranking methods, focus groups, scenario-technique, SWOT analysis. Co-operations: The research team consists of scientists with various competences in the disciplines theology (spiritual rules and orientations), sociology (of religions) (individual and societal development theories), agronomy and neighbour disciplines, scenario technique, indicator systems, environmental history and psychology, rural development as well as marketing. Further more there are international co-operations e.g. with the EU project Core Organic “Farmer Consumer Partnership”. Impacts of the results for science and their applicability: Scientifically the project contributes to the explanation potential of sociological and economic theories of ecologization of monasteries. For the non-scientific sector, the project contributes to the integration of spirituality in the sustainability concept, as well as the discourse between monasteries and societal groups on how to practise sustainability. These reflections will offer monasteries new impulses for innovative ecological and economical development. Furthermore, the project contributes to the development of cooperation in rural areas. In regards to the research-education-cooperation, methodological as well as content specific material can be developed for the education on sustainability in schools.
Publikationen
Project staff
Bernhard Freyer
Univ.-Prof. i.R. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.Ing. Bernhard Freyer
bernhard.freyer@boku.ac.at
BOKU Project Leader
01.01.2009 - 30.06.2012