Reconceptualizing the role of socioeconomic material stocks in the leverage points framework to enable transformative change

In this article, we analyse the role material stocks play in the influential ‘leverage points’ heuristic of Donella Meadows. ‘Leverage points’ are hierarchically ordered points of intervention in a system which might lead to system-wide, transformative change. Stocks are, however, ranked as shallow leverage points without much potential for change. We challenge this prescription and propose a reconceptualization of stocks as deeply entrenched key elements of social-ecological systems that must not be overlooked in transformation strategies.

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