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Frame envy in energy policy ideology: A social constructivist framework for wicked energy problems

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  • Victor Valentine, Scott
  • Sovacool, Benjamin K.
  • Brown, Marilyn A.

Abstract

This article deals with the nexus between energy policymaking and ideology. The article builds and expands upon a theoretical social constructivist analytical strategy, or framework, put forth for the purposes of conducting energy policy analysis. It then addresses criticism that this strategy constitutes “postmodern mush” that has no place in energy analysis before concluding with a review of why social constructivism has a significant role to play in building consensus and enhancing understanding between competing energy policy perspectives. The main contribution made by this paper stems from application of this ontological construct to the analysis of policies targeting wicked energy problems. The study cuts to the core about how energy problems are defined, interpreted, communicated, planned for, and potentially implemented via policy. Put another way, our study offers a timely critique or a call for reconceptualizing the process and practice of energy policy itself.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor Valentine, Scott & Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Brown, Marilyn A., 2017. "Frame envy in energy policy ideology: A social constructivist framework for wicked energy problems," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 623-630.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:109:y:2017:i:c:p:623-630
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2017.07.028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Axsen, Jonn, 2018. "Functional, symbolic and societal frames for automobility: Implications for sustainability transitions," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 730-746.
    2. Samuel Alexander & Joshua Floyd, 2020. "The Political Economy of Deep Decarbonization: Tradable Energy Quotas for Energy Descent Futures," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-18, August.
    3. Chester, Lynne & Elliot, Amanda, 2019. "Energy problem representation: The historical and contemporary framing of Australian electricity policy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 102-113.
    4. Brown, George & Sovacool, Benjamin K., 2017. "The presidential politics of climate discourse: Energy frames, policy, and political tactics from the 2016 Primaries in the United States," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 127-136.
    5. Patrik Thollander & Jenny Palm & Johan Hedbrant, 2019. "Energy Efficiency as a Wicked Problem," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-11, March.
    6. Holmgren, Sara & Pever, Maris & Fischer, Klara, 2019. "Constructing low-carbon futures? Competing storylines in the Estonian energy sector's translation of EU energy goals," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    7. Sonnsjö, Hannes, 2024. "What we talk about when we talk about electricity: A thematic analysis of recent political debates on Swedish electricity supply," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).

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