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Exploring the Role of Materials in Policy Change: Innovation in Low-Energy Housing in the UK

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  • Heather Lovell

    (Department of Geography, University of Durham, Science Site, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, England)

Abstract

There remains uncertainty in models of the policy process about how and when radical change takes place. Most policy authors focus on explaining incremental change, and yet in practice a pattern of change described as punctuated equilibrium has been observed, with periods of stability interspersed with periods of rapid, abrupt change. It is argued here that the influence of materials and technologies—the substance of policy—must be incorporated into models of the policy process in order to help further our understanding of radical change. Concepts from science and technology studies concerning the inseparability of social and technical spheres are used to explore how people and materials interact to create opportunities for radical change. These ideas are particularly relevant to policy sectors comprising durable, capital-intensive infrastructure, such as housing. Drawing on examples from the UK housing sector, ideas about policy networks and large technical systems are synthesised to develop a more holistic, interdisciplinary account of policy change.

Suggested Citation

  • Heather Lovell, 2007. "Exploring the Role of Materials in Policy Change: Innovation in Low-Energy Housing in the UK," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 39(10), pages 2500-2517, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:39:y:2007:i:10:p:2500-2517
    DOI: 10.1068/a38408
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Galvin, Ray & Sunikka-Blank, Minna, 2018. "Economic Inequality and Household Energy Consumption in High-income Countries: A Challenge for Social Science Based Energy Research," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 78-88.

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