an entangled community of relations

humans and nature are co-creators in one living socioecological system

Relational Values emphasize the inherent interconnected qualities that exist in relationships. For example, the value of a relationship between a person and a beloved pet is not found in either the person or the pet, but in the actual connection between the two. They describe humans and more-than-humans not as separate entities, but as interdependent relationships, and acknowledge the qualities of the relationships themselves.

Relational Values are also non-substitutable. In the same way a beloved family member cannot simply be replaced by another person with similar qualities, so too are treasured rivers, trees, or birds not easily replaced by rivers, trees, or birds with similar characteristics.

Relational Values describe relationships that are reciprocal. They recognize that humans and nature shape and influence each other through their fundamental mutuality, moving beyond consideration of nature solely for material use (instrumental value) or for inherent worth (intrinsic value), but rather as active, dynamic, and lived relationships between humans and the more-than-human world. 

Relational Values describe the multiplex qualities of relationships between humans and nature, are rooted in the relationships themselves, and reflect a kincentric ecology in which all living beings cooperate and co-create. This practice of experiencing the natural world as family emphasizes values that counter the pervasive anthropocentric narrative.

Rather than viewing humans as separate and, in many cases, superior to nature, there is no separation, no human dominance over nature. All beings are interconnected with each other and the natural world. Recognizing that we are a part of nature, not apart from nature is to rediscover our evolutionary heritage and accept our ecological dependence.

“The escalating climate crisis and its devastating impacts on human and natural systems only emphasize the imperative to better understand how and in what ways people experience connection to nature” (Post, 2024).

©Kimberly M Post