Shifting Power Relations in Sustainability Transitions

A Multi-actor Perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID23322282
AuthorsFlor Avelino (0000-0002-3709-9791, corresponding author), Julia M Wittmayer (0000-0002-4738-6276)
Year2016
Volume18
Issue5
Pages628-649
Publication date2016-10-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Environmental Policy & Planning (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1522-7200 • E-ISSN: 1523-908X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1523908x.2015.1112259
OpenAlexW2308670362
LanguageEN
Citations received337
References cited68

This paper contributes to understanding transition politics by conceptualizing (shifting) power relations between actors in sustainability transitions. The authors introduce a Multi-actor Perspective as a heuristic framework for specifying (shifting) power relations between different categories of actors at different levels of aggregation. First, an overview is provided of how power and empowerment have been treated in transition research, and remaining questions are identified on who exercises power and who is empowered by and with whom. It is argued that theoretical frameworks and empirical analyses in transition studies lack precision when it comes to distinguishing between different types and levels of actors. In response, a Multi-actor Perspective (MaP) is developed, which distinguishes among four sectors (state, market, community, third sector), and between actors at different levels of aggregation: (1) sectors, (2) organizational actors, and (3) individual actors. The paper moves on to specify how the MaP contributes to understanding transition politics specifically in conceptualizing shifting power relations. Throughout the paper, empirical illustrations are used regarding public debates on welfare state reform, civil society and ‘Big Society’, as well as more specific empirical examples of community energy initiatives.

Civil society · Economic growth · Economic system · Economics · Empirical research · Empowerment · Epistemology · Perspective (graphical) · Political science · Politics · Power (physics) · Sociology · State (computer science) · Sustainability · Transition (genetics) · Community Development and Social Impact · Computer Science · Energy and Environment Impacts · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

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