Normative facets of transitioning food systems

Food systems are complex systems shaped by social, economic, political and environmental influences. The multi-level perspective (MLP), adopted from transition studies and examines system change as embedded in society, has been influential in food system studies. Yet its lack of normativity may limit its utility for guiding complex food system transitions. This paper proposes a conceptual framework that integrates normative directionality and interrelations of system transitions. The framework uses five analytical elements to identify system change dynamics: normative orientations, process drivers, emerging patterns, conflicts (trade-offs) and synergies. We interviewed Israeli food researchers and practitioners to examine normative orientations in Israel’s transition to a sustainable food system, unpacking its normative contestations, normative gaps, multi-directionalities, and normative stalemates. This paper then identifies conflicts and synergies in a broader set of normative goals explored in the study, and harnesses them towards more holistic food policymaking.