Automobility-A Social Problem and Theoretical Concept

Bibliographic Data

ID4476444
AuthorsJörg Beckmann (University of Copenhagen, corresponding author)
Year2001
Volume19
Issue5
Pages593-607
Publication date2001-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEnvironment and Planning D Society and Space (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0263-7758 • E-ISSN: 1472-3433
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1068/d222t
OpenAlexW2164702912
LanguageEN
Citations received77
References cited15

In this paper, I explore automobility as the dominant type of contemporary everyday mobility. I critically review recent attempts to conceptualise the social role of cars and subsequently suggest a three-dimensional model to theorise automobility further as a modern mobility paradigm. This theory of automobility assigns central importance to the subjects, the vehicles, and the spatiotemporalities that are involved in, and produced by, the car-system. For the purpose of outlining the content and internal dependencies of this three-dimensional model, I make use of theoretical assumptions gleaned from transport geography, modernisation theory, as well as the sociology of technology. Furthermore, I argue that a somewhat orthodox form of automobilisation has become reflexive in the course of a growing public recognition of the inherent threats of the car to culture and nature. Under reflexive automobilisation almost all 'auto-subjects' are engaged in defining, interpreting, and responding to 'auto-risks'. They do not necessarily do this, however, in a self-critical fashion. Instead of fostering the rise of a different, postautomotive mobility paradigm, their responses often merely lead to a reproduction of traditional 'auto-scapes

Critical theory · Epistemology · Mobilities · Modernization theory · Political science · Reflexivity · Reproduction · Social science · Social theory · Sociology · Cultural Studies · Digital Economy and Work Transformation · French Urban and Social Studies · Geographies of human-animal interactions

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