Learning Processes in the Early Development of Sustainable Niches: The Case of Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneurs in Mexico

Jorge Gustavo Rodríguez Aboytes,Matthias Barth

doi:10.3390/su12208434

Jorge Gustavo Rodríguez Aboytes, Matthias Barth

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208434

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Abstract

There are still several gaps to bridge in learning and sustainability transition research, one of which is the empirical exploration of learning processes and outcomes involved in the formation and development of sustainability niches. The purpose of this study is to investigate the formation and development of a sustainability niche through the lenses of individual and social transformative learning, specifically the learning processes and outcomes. We conducted a qualitative exploratory multi-case study of six different projects participating in the sustainable fashion and textiles niche in Mexico. We used documentation and individual interviews (n = 7) to collect evidence of the learning process in the formation and development of this niche. We used transformative learning theory to guide the analysis of the learning phenomena occurring in the development of this niche, distinguishing three main phases where individual learning takes place in the first two and social learning in the third. Analytical elements such as prior learning, disorienting dilemmas, action engagement and network building figure prominently in the learning process and outcomes in the development of the sustainable fashion niche in Mexico. This work provides a better and more detailed understanding of the multi-level perspective model through exploring sub-levels within the niche level, by shedding light on the importance of individual and social learning in the development of sustainable niches.

Highlights

Learning is argued to contribute to the transformation of dominant regimes by shaping the transition process towards sustainable regimes [1]
Alliances are starting to form in order to cope with the inherent challenges of this industry but with a sustainability perspective. We suggest that this sustainable fashion niche in Mexico has been functioning as a space where network building occurs [5], which allows the further diffusion of innovations and strongly supports individual and transformative social learning processes
We have attempted to provide an understanding of the learning phenomena around the formation and development of sustainability niches, through exploring the learning processes and outcomes within the different phases of the formation and development of the sustainable fashion niche in Mexico

Summary

Introduction

Learning is argued to contribute to the transformation of dominant regimes by shaping the transition process towards sustainable regimes [1]. Transition studies consider learning as a necessary condition for the development of new technologies [2,3,4], for the articulation of expectations and visions around an innovation [5,6], the emergence of niches [7,8] and the maintenance of governance processes related to transitions [9,10]. Recent efforts have attempted to bring more conceptual clarity regarding the role of learning in sustainability transition studies. Van Mierlo and Beers [12] conceptualised learning in transition studies as two processes, namely discursive interaction and reflective action. Goyal and Howlett [13] conducted a review where they depicted learning pathways that allow for the visualising of an actor-network participating in transitions processes

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