Localism and the Transition movement

This article explores the relationship between localism and contemporary community engagement. In particular, it focuses on the Transition movement, an especially interesting case, given its localistic and community-oriented nature. The article begins with a short discussion of more traditional conceptions of localism. Subsequently, it examines Transition and discusses the relation between the movement and localism. It is argued that, despite some overlap, the relationship between localism and community groups like Transition Initiatives is problematic for theoretical and practical reasons. The ideas underpinning localist reforms and the Transition movement seem to differ widely, and these divergences do emerge in important discussions within the movement, a point illustrated here by a brief overview of the debate about the Big Society in the UK. At the same time, as the four case studies of Transitions in Australia and Italy show, there are also more practical concerns. Here, an initial problem is that there is a tension between the movement's open approach to institutional practice and actual everyday practice. The participants' frustration with, and scepticism towards, politics shapes the nature of their collaboration with councils. Indeed, often, the efforts of one (or very few) participants, rather than of the broader community, may underpin the relationship between the Transition movement and local institutions. Moreover, whilst groups may seek to tackle this problem and engage with communities, local institutions seem to encourage only limited, and sometimes problematic, interactions with community organisations. To the extent that localist agendas do not address these shortcomings, it seems unlikely that they will be able to promote deeper engagement between community organisations and local institutions.