Energy systems and everyday practices in transition

Climate change and the quest for a sustainable society are high up on the political agenda. In my research, I am interested in such questions in relation to our everyday practices and in relation to the power structures that the transition entails. Which practices become dominant or excluded, how do practices change and why?

My research interests include different social aspects of energy transition, energy consumption and mobility, just as the siting of energy-related facilities. Central questions concern changing everyday practices, and the idea of “sustainable practices” and “the sustainable welfare state”. Other key issues concern the relationship between practices and policies, with a particular focus on class and power dimensions and the understanding of practices as static/dynamic. 

E-bikes, policies and everyday life

I am currently engaged in the research project “Energy-related practices in transition – e-bikes, policies and everyday life”, which contributes with new insights and knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition towards a more energy efficient, less fossil fuel dependent society. With electrically assisted bicycling (e-biking) as a starting point, the project discusses how policies and everyday practices co-work. E-biking is analysed as a social practice. That includes to be attentive to that mobility practices do not exist in a vacuum but co-exist with other practices and are part of a broader socio-technical system, and therefore viewing e-biking as part of a transport system dominated by the car.

Thesis on a changing energy landscape

I have a PhD in sociology (Södertörn University 2018). In my thesis, entitled " A Changing Energy Landscape: Framing Controversial Siting on Northern Gotland", I analyse how the global energy dilemma - to satisfy an increasing energy demand without jeopardizing the future of the earth - becomes concrete and place-bound through the physical location of energy infrastructure. The analysis includes how actors combine landscape framings and place-related practices with place-independent framings of specific types of energy.
My previous workplaces include Uppsala University (dept. of Earth Sciences, section for Wind Energy) and Örebro University (School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Environmental Sociology). I work as Research Fellow at Tema T, Linköping University, since 2020.

Publications

Research

Teaching

Programmes

Bachelor of Science with a major in Urban and Regional Planning, 180 credits

Strategic Urban and Regional Planning, Master's Programme, 120 credits

Course responsible

Project work 7.5 credits
Research Skills in Urban and Regional Planning, 7.5 credits
Internship in Strategic Urban and Regional Planning, 15 credits

Internship in Strategic Urban and Regional Planning, 30 credits
Special Readings in Strategic Urban and Regional Planning, 7.5 credits

Organisation