How Sociocracy is applied in the Dutch Ecovillage: Insights from Dutch ecovillage inhabitants and Sociocracy experts

This study looked into the application of Sociocracy - an inclusive decision-making method - in Dutch ecovillages. The objective of this study was twofold; on the one hand, find out how Dutch ecovillages apply Sociocracy, and on the other hand, find out which challenges they face in the application of the method. Semi-structured interviews with inhabitants of 3 different Dutch ecovillages were conducted, as well as interviews with 3 Sociocracy experts. The study finds that the Dutch ecovillages do not apply the principles of Sociocracy rigorously, but have instead significantly adjusted, removed, or never followed the respective Sociocratic principles.