Showing papers by "Elizabeth Shove published in 2010"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reflect on what seems to be a yawning gulf between the potential contribution of the social sciences and the typically restricted models and assumptions and present a short and deliberately provocative paper.
Abstract: In this short and deliberately provocative paper I reflect on what seems to be a yawning gulf between the potential contribution of the social sciences and the typically restricted models and conce...
1,944 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider how various sustainable practices come into existence, how they disappear and how interventions of different forms may be implicated in these dynamics, and they use the two cases of daily showering and the congestion charging scheme in London to consider the distinctive challenges of understanding transitions in practice and of governing these so as to engender more sustainable ways of life.
747 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that innovations in practice involve changing combinations of symbolic and material ingredients and of competence or know-how and that managers, manufacturers and consumers are all variously involved in making and sustaining connections between these defining elements.
Abstract: Building on the work of those who have highlighted the role of consumers and lead users we focus on innovations not in products but in what people do. In developing a method of conceptualising the emergence and reproduction of practice we argue that innovation is not a one-off moment but a continuous on-going process. Specifically, we suggest that innovations in practice involve changing combinations of symbolic and material ingredients and of competence or know-how. In addition, we argue that managers, manufacturers and consumers are all variously involved in making and sustaining connections between these defining elements. We illustrate and elaborate on these ideas with reference to Nordic Walking, a form of speed walking with two sticks. First practiced in 1997, it is now a regular pursuit for more than seven million people in over 30 countries and is reputed to be Europe's fastest growing form of exercise. In discussing this case we specify the constitutive ingredients of Nordic Walking and its locat...
188 citations
TL;DR: Social theorists have been dealing with issues of environment and climate change for quite some years, but on which topics have they focused and with whom have they been talking? Many of the articl...
Abstract: Social theorists have been dealing with issues of environment and climate change for quite some years, but on which topics have they focused and with whom have they been talking? Many of the articl...
163 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that social rhythms follow from interaction between individuals, and use them as outcomes of processes in which practices figure as "living" rather than as stable entities.
Abstract: In this article we argue that rushhours, hot spots and experiences of time squeeze are temporal manifestations of relations between practices. In describing these relations we explore the relevance of a range of metaphors, including those of organic, self-sustaining networks. In contrast to time use studies, which suggest that social rhythms follow from interaction between individuals, we argue that temporal rhythms are usefully characterised as outcomes of processes in which practices figure as “living” rather than asstable entities. Although illustrated with reference to empirical studies of daily life in Finland, this is in essence a speculative paper designed to provoke debate about how webs of social practice constitute the temporalities of contemporary society.
36 citations
TL;DR: The BSA Presidential Event on 'How to put 'Society' into Climate Change', held on 8th February 2010 at the British Library as mentioned in this paper, drew on my own presentation.
Abstract: This note responds to John Urry's contribution and draws on my own presentation at the BSA Presidential Event on 'How to put 'Society' into Climate Change', held on 8th February 2010 at the British Library.
16 citations