Behaviour and the individual in sustainability transitions

This chapter explores the critical role of individual behaviour in sustainability transitions, a field that has traditionally focused more on macro-meso-level processes. While systemic changes in technology and policy are essential, the actions of individuals and small groups significantly influence the adoption of sustainable practices and the shaping of social norms. The chapter examines the interplay between macro-level structural changes and micro-level individual behaviour, highlighting the importance of understanding how personal choices affect broader transition processes. In doing so, it aims to move beyond the structure versus agency and macro-micro debates that have accompanied the history of modern social and behavioural sciences. It discusses different types of behaviour, drawing on psychology and social practice theory, and emphasises the need for interdisciplinary approaches to link individual actions with systemic transitions. By analysing the evolution of individual roles in sustainability initiatives, particularly in the context of energy transitions, the chapter argues for a more nuanced understanding of behaviour, encompassing both habitual actions and deliberate choices. Gaps in research are identified in the need for multi-actor studies and the interrelationship between individual and collective behaviour. The impact of sustainability transitions on social cohesion is also identified as an area for further research.