Societal transformation through the prism of the territory concept: A French contribution

  Carine PACHOUD, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Labex ITTEM, Grenoble, France, France
  George EMMANUELLE, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INRAE, LESSEM, Grenoble, France, France
  Kirsten KOOP, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, UMR Pacte, Grenoble, France, France

Studies on sustainable transformations have multiplied in recent years, driven by the need for radical change in our practices and values to escape crises. Transitions are situated in space, however the literature on the geography of transition gives too little importance to the constructed and relational nature of place and the role of multi-scalar relationships. This article aims to present a conceptual framework for the socio-spatial analysis of transformation dynamics by adopting the French-speaking territorial literature. We show that the territory appears relevant in the study of sustainable transformations because it allows to grasp three fundamental dimensions of transformation, i.e., the material, ideal and institutional dimensions. The territory concept enables to study transformation dynamics in a systemic and holistic way considering each subsystem. It also brings a political vision among actors who have multiple and intertwined power relationships. Last, it integrates the influence of multi-scalar relations, especially the role of administrative levels in transformation dynamics.

Mots clés : societal transformation|territory|territorial resources|imaginary|territorial governance

A102983CP