Sustainable consumption and governance: reflecting on a research agenda for Ireland

Authors

  • Anna Davies Trinity College Dublin
  • Frances Fahy National University of Ireland, Galway
  • Henrike Rau National University of Ireland, Galway
  • Jessica Pape National University of Ireland, Galway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2010.57

Abstract

Contemporary consumption represents an archetypal ‘wicked problem’, being linked to climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion, while also functioning as a cultural signifier and a driver of economic growth and innovation. The Janus-faced nature of consumption is an important indicator of the complexity facing those who aspire to encouraging more sustainable consumption patterns. This paper argues that there are outstanding, and related, areas of contention that need further research in order to generate a more comprehensive and coherent picture of consumption and how it may be made more sustainable. In essence attention needs to be paid to the practices of consumption, its governance and also how practices and governance interact. This paper examines everyday practices and their regulation in two key areas of consumption in Ireland - how we get around (transport) and how we live in our homes (heating/cooling, lighting, cleaning and eating) - to identify current gaps in social science research. In conclusion a multi-pronged research framework for approaching these lacunae is outlined.

Author Biographies

Anna Davies, Trinity College Dublin

Department of Geography

Frances Fahy, National University of Ireland, Galway

School of Geography and Archaeology

Henrike Rau, National University of Ireland, Galway

School of Political Science and Sociology

Jessica Pape, National University of Ireland, Galway

School of Geography and Archaeology

Published

2014-04-13

How to Cite

Davies, A., Fahy, F., Rau, H., & Pape, J. (2014). Sustainable consumption and governance: reflecting on a research agenda for Ireland. Irish Geography, 43(1), 59–79. https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2010.57

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Section

Articles

URN