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Sustainability transition theories: Perpetuating or breaking with the status quo

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  • Katharina Biely
  • Sabrina Chakori

Abstract

How scientists frame problems impact the solutions offered. Since the late 1940s development has been equated with modernization, technology adoption, and economic growth. Contrasting to this technocentric view, an ecocentric view has developed since the 1960s. Despite the criticism of technocentric views and increasing evidence that modern human societies are not reaching their environmental and social goals, technocentric views have remained predominant in the sustainable development discourse. Using a Kuhnian lens, the divide between technocentric and ecocentric perspectives can be framed as distinct paradigms within the sustainable development discourse. This paper outlines the continuation of the divide between technocentric and ecocentric worldviews within sustainability transition studies. It shows that the technocentric view remained predominant and that socio‐technical transition theory fails to break with technocentric and growth‐focused approaches to progress and development. The paper concludes by outlining what could be gained if an ecocentric view became more weight.

Suggested Citation

  • Katharina Biely & Sabrina Chakori, 2025. "Sustainability transition theories: Perpetuating or breaking with the status quo," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(1), pages 52-68, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:1:p:52-68
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3101
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