Explaining Sociotechnical Transitions: A Critical Realist Perspective

33 Pages Posted: 15 Jun 2017

See all articles by Steven Robert Sorrell

Steven Robert Sorrell

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

Date Written: June 14, 2017

Abstract

This paper examines whether the core assumptions underlying the so-called multilevel perspective on sociotechnical transitions (MLP) stand up to scrutiny. The paper clarifies the explicit and implicit assumptions within the MLP about the nature of reality (ontology), the status of claims about that reality (epistemology), and the appropriate choice of research methods, and assesses the consistency of these with the philosophical tradition of critical realism. The paper highlights a number of weaknesses of the MLP, including: the ambiguous distinction between systems and regimes; the problematic conception of social structure; the use of theory as a heuristic device rather than causal explanation; the ambition to develop an extremely versatile framework rather than testing competing explanations; the tendency to incorporate an increasing number of theoretical ideas, while at the same time paying insufficient attention to the necessity or contingency of particular mechanisms; the reliance upon single, historical case studies with little use of comparative methods; and the rejection of potentially useful methodologies such as agent-based modelling. However, the paper concludes that there is sufficient ambiguity and flexibility in the MLP to accommodate changes to the underpinning assumptions as well as the use of a broader range of research methods.

Keywords: Multilevel Perspective; Critical Realism; Emergence; Process Theory

Suggested Citation

Sorrell, Steven Robert, Explaining Sociotechnical Transitions: A Critical Realist Perspective (June 14, 2017). SWPS 2017-11, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2986263 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2986263

Steven Robert Sorrell (Contact Author)

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

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Brighton BN1 9RH UK, Sussex
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