FAMILY AS A SOCIAL SYSTEM AND HOMEGARDEN AGROECOSYSTEM: CONCEPTUAL THEORETICAL MODEL FROM THE LUHMANNIAN THEORY

Abstract

The objective of the present essay is to present a conceptual theoretical model for the study of the homegarden from Luhmann's agroecological approach and theory of autopoietic social systems, from which the family is conceptualized as a social system. This to explore new theories that help explain and understand from another dimension the complexity of the socio-environmental phenomena that occur in this unit of study. This analysis required the revision of up-to-date scientific literature regarding the main theoretical approaches used in recent decades on the homegarden, as well as the principles that support the Luhmannian theory in question. In this way, a theoretical assembly between families was designed as a social system and a homegarden agroecosystem, whose relevance lies in exposing the subjectivity that implies the understanding of a phenomenon from first order observation carried out by the family and the second order observation that carried out by the researcher. Consequently, the second-order observer (the researcher) recognizes the existence of an immanent blind spot and the influence that his epistemic framework has on the analysis of the results of his research and what this implies in the dissemination and use of the knowledge generated. Topical issue in the design of government strategies focused on strengthening the homegarden as a key element in the economy and family well-being in rural contexts.