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    Reimagining energy interventions : policies, practices, and households in transition

    Author
    Wilcox, James E.
    View/Open
    178582_Wilcox_rpi_0185E_10730.pdf (8.762Mb)
    Other Contributors
    Nieusma, Dean; Kinchy, Abby J.; Fortun, Kim; Winner, Langdon; Tonkinwise, Cameron;
    Date Issued
    2015-08
    Subject
    Science and technology studies
    Degree
    PhD;
    Terms of Use
    This electronic version is a licensed copy owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. Copyright of original work retained by author.;
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    URI
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13015/2057
    Abstract
    Among U.S. states, New York is one of the most actively engaged in developing ambitious policy interventions to enroll households in sustainable energy transition pathways. This dissertation is guided by the overarching question: What is the relationship between policy interventions and transitions in household energy provisioning practices? In addressing this question, I develop the concept of imaginaries of transition, which bridges and extends theories of sociotechnical imaginaries and transition. I draw on two years of multi-sited fieldwork following energy policies through time and across constituencies to show how the design of energy policy interventions is a key site of struggle for state, industry, and advocacy stakeholders seeking to shape transition pathways available to households. I find that although a dominant imaginary, shaped by technocratic forms of expertise and characterized by liberal individualist logics of change, has been (re)produced in and by New York’s recent policy interventions, a suite of new intervention strategies marked by a more collectivist, solidaristic imaginary of transition are emerging in its midst. I argue that the extent to which transition pathways that embody this alternative imaginary are realized will be determined by the abilities of policymakers and advocates to embrace institutional innovations that broaden intervention networks and enable more diverse and robust forms material participation.;
    Description
    August 2015; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
    Department
    Dept. of Science and Technology Studies;
    Publisher
    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
    Relationships
    Rensselaer Theses and Dissertations Online Collection;
    Access
    Restricted to current Rensselaer faculty, staff and students. Access inquiries may be directed to the Rensselaer Libraries.;
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    • RPI Theses Online (Complete)

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