RT Journal Article
T1 Rethinking energy transition: Approaches from social representations theory
A1 Conde, Júlio J.
A1 Takano Rojas, Harumi
K1 Energy transition
K1 Renewable energy
K1 Social psychology
K1 Social representations
K1 Public perception
AB Energy transition depends not only on technological and economic changes but is also deeply embedded in the complex social and cultural factors that shape it. However, existing reviews on energy perceptions often focus on psychological, economic, or policy-driven approaches, overlooking the symbolic and discursive dimensions shaping public understanding and engagement. To address this gap, this literature review examines the role of Social Representations Theory (SRT) in understanding societal perspectives on energy transition. Using content analysis, we synthesize and critically assess how SRT has been applied to examine the shared values, beliefs, and experiences that influence societal responses to energy policies and projects. Our findings highlight the theory's potential to uncover how different groups construct and negotiate meanings around energy transition. While SRT-based studies emphasize the importance of social acceptance, we identify a key limitation: an overemphasis on community acceptance of renewable energy without sufficiently questioning the broader socio-economic paradigms driving the energy transition. This review underscores the need for a holistic approach that integrates social, cultural, and political dimensions to address the complexities of energy transition, moving beyond a technological substitution perspective. By positioning SRT as a valuable framework for understanding the social aspects of energy transition, this study contributes to advancing interdisciplinary discussions and calls for further research incorporating diverse geographic and socio-political contexts. 
PB Elsevier
SN 2214-6296
YR 2025
FD 2025-04
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10347/43304
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10347/43304
LA eng
NO Conde, J. J., & Takano-Rojas, H. (2025). Rethinking energy transition: Approaches from social representations theory. Energy Research & Social Science, 122, 104001. 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104001
NO JJC acknowledges the State Research Agency (AEI) for his postdoctoral fellowship (Grant reference FJC2021-047345-I), funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR. This research was also supported by RESCLIM@TIEMPO project (PID2022-136933OB-C21), funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ESF Investing in your future. HTR acknowledges the Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología for her doctoral fellowship (CONAHCYT CVU-1004620). SEPA-interea is a Galician Competitive Research Group (GRC) funded by Xunta de Galicia (ED431C-2021/07).
DS Minerva
RD 7 jun 2026