A culture‐led approach to understanding energy transitions in China: The correlative epistemology. Issue 4 (11th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Ping; Westman, Linda; Castán Broto, Vanesa
• Is Part Of: Transactions. Volume 46:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 900
• Page End: 916
• Publication Date: 2021-05-11
• Subjects: China -- correlative epistemology -- energy transitions -- guanxi -- transition theory; Geography -- Periodicals; 910.6041
• DOI: 10.1111/tran.12453
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-2754

Abstract

Abstract: Transformations of the energy system are unfolding in China at an unprecedented scale and pace. The dynamics of China's energy transitions impact global trends of energy decarbonisation. Transition theories within the Anglophone academic tradition have been used to examine this process, but they tend to misrepresent the social, cultural, and political structures that shape energy transitions in China. This paper proposes a move from an analysis of energy transitions "with Chinese characteristics" to alternative thinking on energy transitions truly rooted in Chinese epistemological and philosophical constructs. The correlative epistemology refers to a Chinese tradition of social studies that describes the cosmos as a structured order of relations ( guanxi ). This tradition sees guanxi as the fundamental constituent of Chinese society. Such a relational focus enables a culture‐led reading of China's energy transitions, thus responding to calls for transition theories "from elsewhere." In particular, correlative interpretations of innovation and transition processes in China frame energy transitions within broader societal transformations, define the operation of transition governance, and reveal that pre‐existing guanxi networks shape the activities of actors in transition processes. Abstract : This paper proposes a correlative epistemology to understand energy transitions in China. Such a relational focus enables a culture‐led reading of China's energy transitions, thus responding to calls for transition theories 'from elsewhere.' Correlative interpretations of innovation and transition processes in China frame energy transitions within broader societal transformations, define the operation of transition governance, and reveal that pre‐existing guanxi networks shape the activities of actors in transition processes.