TY - JOUR KW - Decolonisation KW - Inclusivity KW - Engagement KW - Epistemic justice KW - Ethical communication AU - Reed MS AU - Merkle BG AU - Cook EJ AU - Hafferty C AU - Hejnowicz AP AU - Holliman R AU - Marder ID AU - Pool U AU - Raymond CM AU - Wallen KE AU - Whyte D AU - Ballesteros M AU - Bhanbhro S AU - Borota S AU - Brennan ML AU - Carmen E AU - Conway EA AU - Everett R AU - Armstrong-Gibbs F AU - Jensen E AU - Koren G AU - Lockett J AU - Obani P AU - O’Connor S AU - Prange L AU - Mason J AU - Robinson S AU - Shukla P AU - Tarrant A AU - Marchetti A AU - Stroobant M AB -

Language matters in shaping perceptions and guiding behaviour. The term stakeholder is widely used, yet little attention is paid to the possibility that its use may inadvertently perpetuate colonial narratives and reinforce systemic inequities. In this article, we critically examine the limitations of the stakeholder concept and its ambiguity, normativity, and exclusionary implications. We emphasise the importance of using language that gives a voice to marginalised groups, promotes inclusion and equity, and fosters meaningful and reflexive participation in decision-making processes. In critiquing the use of the term and calling for alternative practices, we aim to contribute to the decolonisation of research norms and the creation of more inclusive and equitable societies. Therefore, rather than advocating a single alternative term, we suggest a focus on the people, places, and species affected by decisions, interventions, projects, and issues.

BT - Sustainability Science DO - 10.1007/s11625-024-01496-4 IS - 4 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -

Language matters in shaping perceptions and guiding behaviour. The term stakeholder is widely used, yet little attention is paid to the possibility that its use may inadvertently perpetuate colonial narratives and reinforce systemic inequities. In this article, we critically examine the limitations of the stakeholder concept and its ambiguity, normativity, and exclusionary implications. We emphasise the importance of using language that gives a voice to marginalised groups, promotes inclusion and equity, and fosters meaningful and reflexive participation in decision-making processes. In critiquing the use of the term and calling for alternative practices, we aim to contribute to the decolonisation of research norms and the creation of more inclusive and equitable societies. Therefore, rather than advocating a single alternative term, we suggest a focus on the people, places, and species affected by decisions, interventions, projects, and issues.

PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC PY - 2024 SP - 1481 EP - 1490 T2 - Sustainability Science TI - Reimagining the language of engagement in a post-stakeholder world UR - https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11625-024-01496-4.pdf VL - 19 SN - 1862-4065, 1862-4057 ER -