Transition or transformation?
Author : Eloïse Richard (CCD-UNIL)
The terms transition and transformation are widely used by various institutions and public and private players to describe a major type of societal change. These terms seem to be used interchangeably, and are often not based on any explicit vision of the social, economic and political changes they are intended to bring about. The aim of this synthesis is to present a conceptual analysis of the notions of transition and transformation, and the analytical distinctions between these terms. Each of these terms is based on distinct theoretical frameworks for analysing social change, which are often fraught with internal disputes; this synthesis also aims to highlight the various criticisms levelled at the use of these terms. Using the IPCC as an example, she discusses how the two terms can be used simultaneously but in different ways. This article concludes with the need to interrogate the vision of political change underlying the mobilised concept.
Publication date: 31 January 2024
