Technological power, complex systems, and boundary objects in global energy transitions
This study makes a case for why the field of political ecology (PE) would benefit from deep engagement with technological power, and exemplifies this within the domain of energy studies and the ongoing transformation of the energy sector. Technology is not among the core interests or traditional top...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2024-02-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Human Dynamics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fhumd.2024.1151614/full |
| _version_ | 1797293029678120960 |
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| author | Helene Ahlborg |
| author_facet | Helene Ahlborg |
| author_sort | Helene Ahlborg |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study makes a case for why the field of political ecology (PE) would benefit from deep engagement with technological power, and exemplifies this within the domain of energy studies and the ongoing transformation of the energy sector. Technology is not among the core interests or traditional topics of PE—and is therefore often disregarded or treated as a black box. The argument presented in this study asserts that this omission undermines the analytical power and the relevance of the field. Technology is the central mechanism whereby socionatures evolve and how relationships are negotiated and enacted. The attitude towards technical things is partly based on the idea that technologies are just artefacts of little interest. Cross-field dialogue is also hindered by perceived ontological conflicts. This study draws upon research from the philosophy of technology and sociotechnical systems theory to introduce a dynamic understanding of technological power. Seeing what technology does and has the potential to do requires looking beyond the common emphasis on dominance and control, to the myriad ways in which technologies shape our everyday lives, ontologies, and imagining of the future. Taking on a contentious concept, I advocate for the use of “systems” as a boundary object suitable for cross-field dialogue. As an analytical construct without inherent scale, it works as a framing device for moving power and knowledge claims to the forefront, while also allowing dialogue outside academia. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T20:07:01Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-63ad42ec74264fe6a5b0a99fccfbb7d6 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2673-2726 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T20:07:01Z |
| publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Human Dynamics |
| spelling | doaj.art-63ad42ec74264fe6a5b0a99fccfbb7d62024-02-28T04:49:03ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Human Dynamics2673-27262024-02-01610.3389/fhumd.2024.11516141151614Technological power, complex systems, and boundary objects in global energy transitionsHelene AhlborgThis study makes a case for why the field of political ecology (PE) would benefit from deep engagement with technological power, and exemplifies this within the domain of energy studies and the ongoing transformation of the energy sector. Technology is not among the core interests or traditional topics of PE—and is therefore often disregarded or treated as a black box. The argument presented in this study asserts that this omission undermines the analytical power and the relevance of the field. Technology is the central mechanism whereby socionatures evolve and how relationships are negotiated and enacted. The attitude towards technical things is partly based on the idea that technologies are just artefacts of little interest. Cross-field dialogue is also hindered by perceived ontological conflicts. This study draws upon research from the philosophy of technology and sociotechnical systems theory to introduce a dynamic understanding of technological power. Seeing what technology does and has the potential to do requires looking beyond the common emphasis on dominance and control, to the myriad ways in which technologies shape our everyday lives, ontologies, and imagining of the future. Taking on a contentious concept, I advocate for the use of “systems” as a boundary object suitable for cross-field dialogue. As an analytical construct without inherent scale, it works as a framing device for moving power and knowledge claims to the forefront, while also allowing dialogue outside academia.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fhumd.2024.1151614/fullrenewable energyenergy futurespowertechnologycomplex systemssociomaterial relationships |
| spellingShingle | Helene Ahlborg Technological power, complex systems, and boundary objects in global energy transitions Frontiers in Human Dynamics renewable energy energy futures power technology complex systems sociomaterial relationships |
| title | Technological power, complex systems, and boundary objects in global energy transitions |
| title_full | Technological power, complex systems, and boundary objects in global energy transitions |
| title_fullStr | Technological power, complex systems, and boundary objects in global energy transitions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Technological power, complex systems, and boundary objects in global energy transitions |
| title_short | Technological power, complex systems, and boundary objects in global energy transitions |
| title_sort | technological power complex systems and boundary objects in global energy transitions |
| topic | renewable energy energy futures power technology complex systems sociomaterial relationships |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fhumd.2024.1151614/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT heleneahlborg technologicalpowercomplexsystemsandboundaryobjectsinglobalenergytransitions |