User-Made Immobilities: A Transitions Perspective

17 Pages Posted: 9 Jul 2016 Last revised: 15 Jul 2016

See all articles by Laur Kanger

Laur Kanger

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

Johan Schot

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

Date Written: July 8, 2016

Abstract

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.

Keywords: transitions, users, stabilization, immobilities

Suggested Citation

Kanger, Laur and Schot, Johan, User-Made Immobilities: A Transitions Perspective (July 8, 2016). SWPS 2016-13, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2807044 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2807044

Laur Kanger (Contact Author)

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU) ( email )

Mantell Building
Falmer
Brighton BN1 9RH UK, Sussex
United Kingdom

Johan Schot

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU) ( email )

Mantell Building
Falmer
Brighton BN1 9RH UK, Sussex
United Kingdom

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