Communities of Practice of Transition

An Analytical Framework for Studying Change-Focussed Groups

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2392123
AutoresCarrie Paechter (0000-0003-3050-5571, Nottingham Trent University, autor de correspondencia), Andolie Marguerite (Goldsmiths University of London)
Año2021
Volumen26
Número2
Páginas360-376
Fecha de publicación2021-06-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSociological Research Online (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1360-7804 • E-ISSN: 1360-7804
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1360780420944966
OpenAlexW3045305574
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas14

In this article, we consider a previously unidentified form of community of practice: the community of practice of transition. Our exemplar data come from two separate studies, one of a group for trans young people and one of an online divorce support community. Such communities differ from other communities of practice because the transition process itself is the focus and the shared practice of the community. We argue that communities of practice of transition differ from 'classic' communities of practice in four main ways. First, and most salient, there are differences in relation to time and its importance. Second, and following from this, there are differences in relation to the focus of trajectories into and through the group, which affect who is able to become a central member. Third, the role and characteristics of central members of the community are different from those found in a traditionally conceived community of practice: moving out of a transitional state (and, therefore, out of the community) is key to old-timer status. Finally, reified events are highly salient in communities of practice of transition, and more important than reified objects. We argue that the concept of a community of practice of transition challenges and expands many of the assumptions underpinning the community of practice as a framework for analysing the dynamics and operation of groups and how identities are forged in and through them. Most significantly, we argue that time needs to be taken more seriously in relation to communities of practice

Community of practice · Community organization · Community practice · Epistemology · Focus group · Political science · Public relations · Salient · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Family Business Performance and Succession · Law · Social Work Education and Practice · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics