the three-circle diagram

reflecting

Environment, economy and society. Interconnected aspects of a healthy community that are frequently represented as three interlocking circles. I am not sure when I was first introduced to the diagram, but that, in itself, points to considerable histor (although memory is not a strong point of mine). I do remember it primarily as a theorectical diagram, however, and remeber experiencing some small surprise when it was brought forward at/through a community meeting.

[R2] The ubiquity and predominance of this diagram, gives rise to questions about its impact. I myself have taken the three aspects and their interconnected overlap as a reasonable enough representation for considering/assessing situations. Yet even very short reflection raises questions: Does the diagram adequately represent all of the essential aspects necessary for planning a 'healthy community' and/or for sustainability?

[R3] I think the immediate answer is no. [but section is I I I, this is not...]

[R4]

[R5]

skeptical

Environment, economy and society. Three interconnected aspects of a healthy community that are frequently represented as three interlocking circles [e.g.]. Originally illustrated by Trevor Hancock (1993^ref), the essential point is to recognize and emphasize that 'healthy' conditions arise from a balance among the different factors. Taken within the context of its time, the primary argument was intended to point out that a 'good' economy alone is not sufficient, without a 'good' community/society and a 'good' environment as well.

[T2] More recently, Hancock has put forward a revised version that encompasses more aspects - a revision that support critiques from others. __ for example, that it doen't make sense for economy to be singled our ], when other aspects, such as ploitics, culture ae also critical aspects of health or well-being.

[T3] "According to Yencken and Wilkinson (2001), addressing sustainability entails tackling its four inter-related ‘pillars’: biophysical systems which provide the life support systems for all life, human and non-human; economic systems which provide a continuing means of livelihood (jobs and money) for people; social systems which provide ways for people to live together peacefully, equitably and with respect for human rights and dignity; and political systems through which power is exercised fairly and democratically to make decisions about the way social and economic systems use the biophysical environment."(Benn and Dunphy 2006)

empirical

Environment, economy and society. Interconnected aspects of a healthy community that are frequently represented as three interlocking circles. This diagram has provided a heuristic for uncountable assessments, processes and descriptions. In particular, the "healthy communities" movement, (spearheaded, in part, by Hancock) has adopted it as a heuristic for illustrating basic principles. In this case, the diagram carries a few more details to enhance understanding of the connections among the different aspects [e.g.].