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Why do junctures become critical? Political discourse, agency, and joint belief shifts in comparative perspective

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  • Adrian Rinscheid
  • Burkard Eberlein
  • Patrick Emmenegger
  • Volker Schneider

Abstract

Why do junctures become critical in some cases but not in others? Building on the critical juncture framework and perspectives on the formation and diffusion of beliefs, we develop a theoretically parsimonious and empirically traceable account of divergence in institutional outcomes. By illuminating the role of agency and joint belief shifts we further open the “black box” of critical junctures. In particular, we develop the argument that the role agents play is conditioned by conflict lines that structure an institutional field before a juncture sets in. Empirically, we trace political discourses around the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Canada, Germany, and Japan using discourse network analysis. Through comparative investigation, we empirically show that discursive interactions during potential critical junctures indicate institutional outcomes that are shaped by causally relevant historical legacies.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrian Rinscheid & Burkard Eberlein & Patrick Emmenegger & Volker Schneider, 2020. "Why do junctures become critical? Political discourse, agency, and joint belief shifts in comparative perspective," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 14(4), pages 653-673, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:reggov:v:14:y:2020:i:4:p:653-673
    DOI: 10.1111/rego.12238
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    Cited by:

    1. Schneider, Nina & Rinscheid, Adrian, 2024. "The (de-)construction of technology legitimacy: Contending storylines surrounding wind energy in Austria and Switzerland," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    2. Geels, Frank W., 2022. "Causality and explanation in socio-technical transitions research: Mobilising epistemological insights from the wider social sciences," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(6).

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