2016_13_SWPS-Kanger_et_al.pdf (785.97 kB)
User-made immobilities: a transitions perspective
In this paper we aim to conceptualize the role of users in creating, expanding and stabilizing the automobility system. Drawing on transition studies we offer a typology of user roles including user-producers, user-legitimators, user-intermediaries, user-citizens and user-consumers, and explore it on the historical transition to the automobile regime in the USA. We find that users play an important role during the entire transition process but some roles are more salient than others in particular phases. Another finding is that the success of the transitions depends on the stabilization of the emerging regime which will trigger upscaling in terms of the numbers of adopters. The findings are used to reflect on potential crossovers between transitions and mobilities research.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Publisher
SPRUPublisher URL
Pages
14.0Place of publication
BrightonDepartment affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Institution
University of SussexFull text available
- Yes