On the CSS Working Paper Series

The CSS Working Paper Series welcomes papers on all aspects connected with the research focus of the center and gives authors a chance to increase the circulation, visibility, and impact of their research. The Working Paper Series presents results from ongoing and cutting-edge research at the CSS and partner institutions. Working paper topics reflect the various disciplines involved in the CSS. The Series serves to publish (preliminary) results quickly, and Working Papers may prepare a publication in an academic journal at a later date. Replication studies are also welcome.  

Abstract of Current Paper

In this study, socio-ecological transformation processes in rural areas are examined from the perspective of the sociology of conventions. For this purpose, a qualitative case study based on semi-narrative interviews as well as documents from and about a small community in Schleswig-Holstein, where various transformation projects were carried out, was conducted. The focus of the work is on the analysis of the patterns of justification for the establishment of two citizens' wind companies, as well as the planning of a solidarity-based agriculture in the village. In this micro-sociological study, potential lines of conflict of the agricultural and energy transformation are revealed by analysing the respective patterns of interpretation and legitimation of the actors concerned. As an example, it can be shown to what extent historically evolved path dependencies, structural changes and changing demands in agriculture can lead to cultural and moral conflicts about the "right" way to cultivate the land. At the same time, it becomes clear in which way an active participation of the local population and the connection to existing cultural patterns of interpretation can contribute to a legitimisation of wind energy plants. [Working Paper in German]

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