What the study found
The study found a prescriptive positivist discourse in academic discussions of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) interactions. In this discourse, management is treated as the solution, research is given strong faith, and equity, justice, and nature are treated less as ends in themselves than as instrumental concerns.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the SDGs are unlikely to be achieved by 2030, so there is a need to critically examine the values and assumptions shaping how they are understood and put into practice. The study suggests that overlooked stewardship perspectives, which consider pluralism and treat equity, justice, and nature as intrinsic, should be taken seriously in thinking about a post-2030 world.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used an inductive, latent thematic analysis of 35 papers. They analyzed how SDG interactions were discussed in the academic literature and looked for recurring themes and underlying assumptions.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis identified directive language and advocacy for technical or managerial fixes, including solving trade-offs with adequate financial resources, proper governance, and science. Calls for integration often did not go beyond coordination, and only what was measurable tended to be acknowledged. The overlooked alternative perspective was stewardship, which the authors describe as more pluralistic and less fragmented.
What to keep in mind
The summary available here is based on 35 papers and on the discourse around SDG interactions, not on a direct test of SDG outcomes. The abstract does not describe specific limitations beyond the scope of the analysis.
Key points
- The study identified a prescriptive positivist discourse in papers on SDG interactions.
- Authors in the reviewed literature often used directive language and favored technical or managerial fixes.
- Equity was described as instrumental, and only what was measurable was acknowledged.
- Calls for integration often did not go beyond coordination.
- The authors highlighted stewardship perspectives that treat pluralism, equity, justice, and nature as intrinsic.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- SDG interaction discourse is described as prescriptive positivist
- Authors:
- Gin Dupont, Mats Målqvist, Małgorzata Blicharska, Wiebren J. Boonstra, Sofia Cele, Sarah Dickin, Emma Elfversson, Eva Friman
- Institutions:
- Uppsala University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-08
- DOI:
- 10.1002/sd.70905
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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