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Suburbia under an Energy Transition: A Socio-technical Perspective

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  • Jago Dodson

Abstract

This paper assesses the effects on suburbia of an energy transition to less carbon- or petroleum-intensive energy urban forms using a socio-technical theoretical perspective. The paper argues that while suburbia is the predominant form of urbanisation in advanced nations, especially North America and Australia, its socio-technical composition is insufficiently understood by urban scholars. Using a socio-technical theoretical perspective, the paper argues that suburbia should be seen a complex ‘assemblage’ that is configured through socio-material relations of land use, transport technology, energy and money credit. This system is also differentiated by social status and infrastructure access deficits. The paper argues that suburbia faces a number of socio-technical challenges from an energy transition principally due to heavy mobility reliance on motor vehicles. The paper sets out some potential trajectories of transformation for suburbia under an energy transition.

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  • Jago Dodson, 2014. "Suburbia under an Energy Transition: A Socio-technical Perspective," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 51(7), pages 1487-1505, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:51:y:2014:i:7:p:1487-1505
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098013500083
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    2. Sharifi, Ayyoob & Yamagata, Yoshiki, 2016. "Principles and criteria for assessing urban energy resilience: A literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1654-1677.

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