Tinker, tailor or transform: Gender equality amidst social-ecological change

Global visions of environmental change consider gender equality to be a foundation sustainable social-ecological systems. Similarly, systems frameworks position as both precursor to, and product of, system sustainability. Yet, the degree which is being advanced through uncertain. We use case small-scale fisheries in Pacific Islands region explore proposition that different narratives: (1) ecological, (2) social-ecological, (3) social, shape priorities, intentions impacts implementing organizations. conducted interviews with regional national experts (n = 71) analyzed commitments made within policies 29) influence fisheries. To these data, we developed ‘Tinker-Tailor-Transform’ assessment typology. find organizations aligned social narratives considered (i.e., human-centric) goals equally or more important than ecological eco-centric) goals. Yet action, was pursued instrumentally achieve and/or shallow project performance targets. These results highlight although were common, when operationalized become diluted reoriented. Across all three narratives, mostly ‘Tinkered’ impact, for example, including women spaces otherwise tended dominated by men. Impacts predominately focused on individual changing women) rather driving communal-to-societal level change. discuss interrelated opportunities applying typology, its utility assist orient toward intrinsic goals; challenge reconfigure attributes perpetuate inequalities; consciously interrogate discursive positions beliefs unsettle habituated policies, initiatives theories