Towards an understanding of quality and inclusivity in human-environment experiences

As calls grow for relational approaches to nature and wellbeing research that consider reciprocity in human-environment interactions, the concept of affordances is gaining importance as a useful way of thinking about nature experiences. Affordances provide a framework to enable individualised conceptions of nature by focusing on what is functionally meaningful to people. However, affordance thinking is currently limited in its ability to help us understand how peoples' background, culture and circumstances shape interactions with nature - a critical issue with respect to inclusivity and the under-representation of some sections of society. Bourdieu's theory of practice is a well-established set of 'thinking tools' which potentially help addresses these influences. It examines how our social environment may pattern our practices, attitudes, and perceptions. In this paper, we review the various applications of affordances before providing an overview of how Bourdieu's concepts of habitus, capital and field can complement, and be integrated with, affordance thinking for novel applications to greenspace research. Bridging these areas of thinking will facilitate development of a more intersectional and complete understanding of nature experiences, including the quality and inclusivity of green and natural spaces.

Automated summary

As the demand for relational approaches to nature and wellbeing research grows, the concept of affordances is becoming increasingly important as a useful way to think about nature experiences. However, current affordance thinking has limitations in understanding how people's background, culture, and circumstances shape interactions with nature, which is crucial for inclusivity and representation. Bourdieu's theory of practice can address these influences by examining how our social environment patterns our practices, attitudes, and perceptions. This paper reviews the applications of affordances and explores how Bourdieu's concepts can complement and integrate with affordance thinking for novel applications in greenspace research.