This article argues that the systems theory of Niklas Luhmann prepares ground for a genuinely sociological human rights. Through presentation Luhmann’s work on rights, it describes historical and processes make visible why rights emerge as central feature modern society. It is argued emergence fundamental freedoms can be related to dominant structure society, is, functional differentiation. Human are considered social institution, whereby society protects its own against self‐destructive...

In this article, we argue that Niklas Luhmann has a lot to offer present-day planning theory. Until now, theory been engaged with Luhmann's work only minimally. Convinced of its potential, want show how systems offers fresh insight into both limits and possibilities in contemporary society. We understanding society as functionally differentiated self-referentially closed subsystems (politics, economy, law, science, etc.) creates space for complex subtle analysis practice. particular, look at...

Abstract Based on biological insights, Ludwig von Bertalanffy coined general systems theory (GST) and later expanded his perspective, exploring what GST could mean for other disciplines types of systems. We make a case the relevance, or rather, importance, coming to new understanding resilience social‐ecological possible forms adaptive governance that might increase such resilience. After analyzing conceptual structure paradigm GST, we identify concepts in thinking where provides...

This article investigates how "social innovation" made its way onto the European Union (EU) agenda and this notion has been creatively used to advance distinct policy goals. It does so by analysing resources EU provided promote social innovation over period 2006–2014. Three main conclusions arise. First, between 2006 2010 label was rarely used, although several instruments processes supported it. Second, throughout 2009–2010, Commission's Bureau of Policy Advisers played a key setting role...

This article analyses the effects of European Social Fund (ESF) on domestic activation policies in three Belgian regions: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. We argue that over last decade ESF has had a catalytic impact, first innovation instruments, second governance employment third policy framing. explain how different mechanisms (leverage, conditionality learning) generate these they can account for differential influence regions. conclude by summarizing our research findings framework,...

In this study, we focus on the role of religious beliefs in initiating (de)conversion processes, based 43 interviews with people who have (de)converted from/to Islam, Christianity, Judaism or a secular worldview Flanders last 5 to 10 years. While everyday discourses religion, are interpreted as sole reason why belong community they leave change community, wanted investigate how factors at micro-, meso-, and macro-level influence such which heart processes. Thematic analyses were conducted...

In the summer of 2015, a wave solidarity washed across European continent as 1.3 million refugees arrived. While many recent studies have explored how ‘ordinary’ men and women, NGOs governments momentarily reacted to arrival refugees, this issue examines whether subsequent rise civil support initiatives has also resulted in more structural cultural political changes. The contributions assembled all delve into enduring implications Europe’s ‘long migration’. They address four sites change:...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding adaptive governance, which advocated for as a manner deal with dramatic changes in society and/or environment. To re-think possible contributions organizations and organization theory, governance. Design/methodology/approach Based on social systems theory study makes distinction between “governance organizations” communities.” Organizations are conceptualized decision machines organize (co-)steer Communities seen environments...

This article investigates the process of social forgetting by relating it to disintegration and spatial networks. Looking at case Sulina, a small town on eastern edge Romanian Danube Delta, we analyze how unraveling networks caused with margin-specific features, fundamental restructuring memory identities. An important focus our investigation is connection between planning, as coordinated effort look forwards. While such seen positive process, constitutive memory, its local characteristics...

Abstract The paper explores the implications of Ludwig von Bertalanffy's general systems theory for current debates on nature organizational transparency as an element good governance. If implies exchange information, then it may be taken, at a metaphorical level, to constitute dimension metabolism theorized by open model. Yet, model likewise lays bare some limits idea. work emergent properties, his critique stimulus–response scheme, and perspectivistic account systemic perception...

Abstract Neighbourhood‐based research on the rise of super‐diverse cities has mostly focused implications living in neighbourhoods for individual relations, and paid little attention to processes group formation. This paper focuses how residents identify social groups. Drawing concept symbolic boundary making, it provides insights into draw, enact experience boundaries. Using results in‐depth interviews with Antwerp Rotterdam, we show that super‐diversity complexifies but does not counteract...

The authors present an overview of the main developments in Niklas Luhmann's approach to religion after publication Funktion der Religion (1977). Particular attention is given definition terms distinction between observable and unobservable. This characterization corresponds a highly specific view as functional subsystem within modern society. Religious communication, argues Luhmann, distinguished from all other forms communication because its reference binary code immanence/transcendence.

Abstract In this paper, we analyze the evolution of spatial planning system in Republic Georgia, from late Soviet times to present day, with a focus on its capital, Tbilisi. Through reconstruction changing roles various professional groups and governmental actors, try delineate possibilities for citizen participation at different points time. By examining paths historical dependence evolution, outline transformation options that are most likely succeed now. This is relevant, since current...

This article presents an analysis of the process commensuration in field pension policy. It looks at consequences reducing disparate and variable characteristics systems to a limited set standardized policy indicators. Although techniques scoring complex through common indicators are applied today fields as diverse scientific research, human resources management international development, this is first examine pensions. The empirical three cases where institutions use score rank performance...

This paper proposes the term misdirection as a process by which attention is diverted from certain scientific approaches in malaria elimination paradigm to justify specific methodological, and political decisions. Misdirection, it applies magic, creates sort of tunnel vision away any action occurring outside frame current paradigm. A crucial component this global standardization intervention methodologies operating independent local social contexts perceived impossibility 'localize' such...

Abstract This manuscript describes findings from 53 interviews conducted with Moroccan and migrants The Democratic Republique of the Congo living in Belgium, an emphasis on discussing extent to which environmental factors migrants’ home countries may or not have influenced their migration decisions. A comparative approach clarifies disentangles relationship between natural other drivers two distinct contexts. Applying a having extensive biographical accounts each interviewee’s trajectory...

"Knowledge as a Global Public Good: The Role and Importance of Open Access La connaissance en tant que bien public: le rôle et l'importance d'accès publique El conocimiento como un público global: el papel y la importancia del acceso libre" published on 01 Jan 2007 by Brill.