A social problems framework for the critical appraisal ofautomobility and sustainable systems innovation

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Abstract

Over the past three decades, critical assessment of the automobile has evolved from a focus on the technical inadequacies of the internal combustion engine to a more comprehensive appraisal of the sociotechnical system for providing mobility. The following study charts the evolution of this discourse by focusing in particularon the way in which the Worldwatch Institute hasinterpreted the various problems of the motorcarduring this timeframe. There are now indicationsthat a more thoroughgoing systems view of automobile dependency is developing predicated upon three problem dimensions: fuel use, urban congestion and sedentary lifestyles. The analysis presents a social‐problems framework for beginning to conceptualize more sustainable modes of mobility in the post‐automobile era.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)23-38
Number of pages16
JournalMobilities
Volume1
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Demography
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Sociology and Political Science

Keywords

  • Automobile-dependent lifestyles
  • Mobility futures
  • Politics of mobility
  • Sustainable mobility
  • Transition management
  • Worldwatch institute

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