Diffusion of Sustainable Social Practices in Grassroots Innovation Niches: The Case of the Ecovillage Movement

Authors

  • Rebeca Roysen Centro de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Universidade de Brasília (UnB)
  • Frédéric Mertens Centro de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Universidade de Brasília (UnB)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/dma.v39i0.46673

Keywords:

diffusion of innovations, grassroots innovations, social practice theory, ecovillages, sustainability

Abstract

This essay analyzes the processes of innovation and diffusion of sustainable social practices in grassroots innovation niches. To do so, it brings elements from social practice theory (SPT), which offers a new perspective on the understanding of the diffusion of innovations. It starts by reviewing the classical studies on diffusion of innovations, the multilevel perspective and the SPT, followed by an exploration of the ways in which SPT can be applied to the studies on diffusion of sustainable social practices in grassroots innovation niches, using as example the case of the ecovillage movement.

Published

2016-12-30

How to Cite

Roysen, R., & Mertens, F. (2016). Diffusion of Sustainable Social Practices in Grassroots Innovation Niches: The Case of the Ecovillage Movement. Desenvolvimento E Meio Ambiente, 39. https://doi.org/10.5380/dma.v39i0.46673

Issue

Section

Essays