Transition Literature Research Articles

Irish Literature in Transition, 1880-1940 ed. by Marjorie Elizabeth Howes

Irish Literature in Transition, 1880-1940 ed. by Marjorie Elizabeth Howes

Transitional Justice Incubator: Bridging European Fault Lines

Transitional justice is typically perceived as a product of the third wave of democratisation, which came to the fore after the fall of the Iron Curtain, bringing along with it various mechanisms, from truth commissions and lustration procedures to national trials, leading to the creation of hybrid and international tribunals of global reach.1 Despite its obvious relevance, the aftermath of the Second World War is generally treated as a cursory prehistory in the transitional justice literature. With the exception of the Nuremberg trials, robust research on legal and extralegal ventures which characterised the first postwar decade remains largely disconnected from contemporary transitional justice concerns, and yet it offers a number of valuable lessons.2 Three recent publications which are the subject of this review are therefore a welcome intervention, highlighting the scope and depth, successes and fallacies of efforts to come to terms with the atrocious legacy of the Second World War in its immediate aftermath.

Bullshit in the Sustainability and Transitions Literature: a Provocation

Research on sustainability and transitions is burgeoning. Some of this research is helping to solve humankind’s most pressing problems. However, as this provocation argues, up to 50% of the articles that are now being published in many interdisciplinary sustainability and transitions journals may be categorized as “scholarly bullshit.” These are articles that typically engage with the latest sustainability and transitions buzzword (e.g., circular economy), while contributing little to none to the scholarly body of knowledge on the topic. A typology of “scholarly bullshit” is proposed which includes the following archetypes: boring question scholarship, literature review of literature reviews, recycled research, master thesis madness, and activist rants. Since “scholarly bullshit” articles engage with the latest academic buzzwords, they also tend to accumulate significant citations and are thus welcomed by many journal editors. Citations matter most in the metric-driven logic of the academic system, and this type of scholarship, sadly, is thus unlikely to decrease in the coming years.

A case study of new nurses’ transition from university to work

AimTo explore the experiences of new graduate nurses enrolled in a hospital-based transition to practice program, to gain insight into what new graduate nurses thought about their university training and preparedness for practice. BackgroundNursing transition programs are challenging but are fundamentally about ensuring new graduate nurses are provided the necessary opportunities to allow them to successfully transition into autonomous practice. Understanding the ‘lived’ experiences of new graduate nurses may improve transition programs by considering the difficulties new graduate nurses experience around the rigors and reality of practice. MethodThe researchers used a self-developed Graduate Nurse Workplace Preparation Survey to explore the perceptions of new graduate nurses undertaking a Transition to Professional Practice Program in an Australian metropolitan hospital to investigate the experiences of transition readiness in relation to new graduate nurses’ satisfaction with their undergraduate degree preparation. ResultsA total of 69 new graduate nurses were enrolled in the Transition to Practice Program and 23% (n = 16) completed the New Graduate Nurse Workplace Preparation Survey. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Leximancer was used for thematic analysis of participant comments. The study found that a successful transition from undergraduate nurse to new graduate nurse can be made if undergraduate nurses experience variation during their university clinical placements in terms of patient acuity, complexity, workload, and clinical setting. Successful transition from undergraduate nurse to new graduate nurse is enhanced by Transition to Practice Programs building upon the new graduate nurses’ previous undergraduate nursing clinical experiences. ConclusionTransition to practice and readiness for the role of newly Registered Nurse (new graduate nurse) is an important stage in the professional development of a Registered Nurse and the transition issues related to university preparation made by new graduate nurses in this study corresponded with issues raised in similar preparation and transition literature suggesting that continued work in undergraduate training and clinical placement is required. However, by understanding new graduate nurses’ university preparation satisfaction levels and issues faced during the transition to practice period both universities and clinical placement staff can work together to improve new graduate nurses’ success in Transition to Professional Practice Programs.

Together we're smart! Flemish and Dutch energy communities' replication strategies in smart grid experiments

Increasingly, energy communities engage in smart grid experiments to explore new ways to collectively generate, consume, store, manage, and trade energy. Transition literature puts forward that replication of such experiments is essential for socio-technical transformation. However, in practice many experiments remain rather isolated events that fail to contribute to sustainability transitions. Moreover, while the literature points to the importance of replication, there is little attention to how replication occurs in practice and on the perspectives of actors involved. This paper reports on action research done to explore together with Dutch and Flemish energy communities what replication of community-based Virtual Power Plant (cVPP) experiments means in practice and how this can be achieved. In line with literature, the energy communities considered replication of cVPP as an iterative and multi-dimensional process that includes collective exploration of meaning, searching for necessary resources, building competencies, and implementation of the necessary technological building blocks. In light of identified challenges, the energy communities articulated two strategies, both aimed at collaboration with similar initiatives to pool resources (including shared digital technology). This was considered a viable strategy to confront the current context that is characterized by (institutional) uncertainty and ambiguity. Although the literature distinguishes between growth and replication of experiments, the identified strategies show that this distinction is less clear in practice. ‘Pure’ replication was not considered as the way forward. Rather, it appears that combining replication and growth processes provides opportunities for wider diffusion of the cVPP concept beyond the few resourceful frontrunner energy communities.

Reconsidering Transitional Justice

Abstract The transitional justice literature has, for decades, sought to understand and advocate for mechanisms through which a society may transition from a period of autocracy and mass atrocity into one of democracy, peace and stability. However, this field has left certain geographic regions under-examined — including, for example, events taking place in 20th-century China. Seeking to augment the literature’s consideration of transitional justice, this article employs the case study method to examine two pivotal events in China’s recent history: the 1949 Communist Revolution and the Gang of Four Trials in 1979. It is argued that incorporating these examples into the literature could supplement our understanding of transitional justice and that, by broadening the lens on this concept, events that have long existed on the margins could be internalized to enrich the field’s discussion. In order to accomplish this, the article puts forward a new framework through which transitional justice examples may be analysed — employing a graphical aid to visually designate both the type of justice sought and the degree of transition achieved.

Gender and the Colombian Peace Process

Colombia’s decades-long internal conflict seemingly came to a close in 2012 when the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) declared their intent to engage in peace talks. In this transitional justice period, Colombia aimed to effectively address all the violations that had occurred during the conflict by holding them accountable within its Peace Agreement - including gender-based violations (GBV). This essay will examine the ways in which Colombia’s most recent peace process tackles conflict-related GBV in order to study whether these violations were sufficiently and appropriately addressed. The first section of this essay will define gender-based violations and examine how they have been addressed in transitional justice literature so far. The second section will evaluate how successfully Colombia’s peace process handles GBV by (a) studying the inclusion of gender perspectives in the peace process and by (b) analysing how the 2016 Peace Agreement provides for (i) truth, (ii) justice, (iii) reparations and (iv) guarantees of non-repetition in terms of GBV. In doing so, this article hopes that academic literature, the international community, and other peace processes can use Colombia’s take on gender-based violations as a guide - on what to do well and what to do better – so that the recognition of and protection from GBV is only increased here on out.
 
 Keywords: SGBV, Colombia, transitional justice, gender

Building the Rule of Law in Post-Conflict States: International v. Mixed Model of Transitional Justice

Abstract The transitional justice literature emphasizes the importance of domestic actors in the successful design and implementation of mechanisms such as trials if the rule of law is to meaningfully develop in post-transitional societies. Yet in many post-conflict states the international community is involved in these policies from the beginning. Using a Most Similar System Design to compare the experiences of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, which incorporates data from the author’s fieldwork in both countries from 2016–2021, this article finds that expectations in the literature are overstated. Improvements in the rule of law as a result of transitional justice were found when there was a mix of international and domestic participation. Additionally, this analysis proposes a new methodology to categorize transitional justice when the international community and domestic actors are involved in these programs.

Defining Transition Success for Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease According to Patients, Parents and Health Care Providers.

BackgroundThe transition from pediatric to adult care is associated with changes centered around the patient taking responsibility for their health. As the incidence of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing, it is important to address gaps in transition literature—specifically, the indicators signifying achievement of transition success. The study objective was to define transition success according to patients, parents, and health care providers involved in IBD transition.MethodsThis study used the method of qualitative description to conduct semi-structured interviews with patients, parents, and health care providers. During interviews, demographic information was collected, and interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was conducted independently of each group using latent content analysis. Participant recruitment continued until thematic saturation was reached within each group.ResultsPatients, parents, and health care providers all defined transition success with the theme of independence in one’s care. The theme of disease management emerged within parent and provider groups, whereas the theme of relationship with/ trust in adult care team was common to patients and parents. Additional themes of care team management, general knowledge, care stability, and health outcomes emerged within specific groups.ConclusionThis study demonstrated differences between how patients, parents, and health care providers view transition success. This finding reveals the value of using a multifaceted definition of transition success with input from all stakeholders. Further research should prioritize the identification of factors common to patients who do not reach transition success as defined by patients, their parents, and providers.

Blockchain for the circular economy: Theorizing blockchain's role in the transition to a circular economy through an empirical investigation

AbstractBlockchain is increasingly lauded as an enabler of the transition to a circular economy. While there is considerable conceptual research and some empirical studies on this phenomenon, scholars have yet to develop a theoretical model of blockchain's role in this transition. Grounded in the sustainability transition literature, this paper addresses this gap through the following research question: What role does blockchain play in the transition to a circular economy? Following an abductive approach, we conducted interviews with ground‐level experts implementing blockchain innovations for the circular economy across Europe and the United States. Through a thematic analysis, we derived a theoretical model of the relationships among (1) drivers and barriers of the transition to a circular economy, (2) blockchain innovation for the circular economy, (3) technical challenges of blockchain, and (4) the circular economy. While blockchain plays a moderating role, interviewees considered it only an infrastructural resource rather than a panacea.

Cultural norms to support gender equity in energy development: Grounding the productive use agenda in Rwanda

Changes to cultural norms as a result of electrification can promote gender equity. This paper contributes to the energy transitions literature addressing research complexity from investigating consumption behaviours and opportunities for behaviour change. We ask: how cultural norms influence productive uses of energy technologies and how norms may change as a result of electrification? A scoping and critical review of literature, and empirical study applying grounded theory analysis and the energy cultures framework suggests the value of exploring existing and emerging energy cultures, particularly the nature of material cultures, norms and practices. Qualitative methods used include key informant interviews, transect walks and observation. The application is in the Bugesera District of Rwanda. The main study finding is that there are relationships between mini-grids, fuels, values, beliefs and traditions that influence uptake and vice-versa. The emphasis on of productive use is revisited to suggest inclusion of norms such as Agakiriro — making wealth through small scale business enterprises; Ubudehe — mutual assistance welfare practice; new material realities of the modern Rwandan household; local and international technological innovations; old programs — One Laptop Per Child; imihigo – a tradition of goal setting translating to performance contracts, and Made in Rwanda — enhancing the domestic market through value chain development. Inclusion of gender concerns in the push for productive use of electricity and in renewable energy policy can promote sustainable value chain creation and inclusive business model development. Finally, we reflect on policy considerations for stakeholders working in energy development in Rwanda and elsewhere.

Agroecological Transition: A Territorial Examination of the Simultaneity of Limited Farmer Livelihoods and Food Insecurity

Nutritional disease, persistent food insecurity, ecological devastation, and limited sustainable livelihoods among small and beginning (SB) farmers coexist as unintended consequences of trying to address these challenges separately. Agroecology is useful for holistically understanding a community’s food system dynamics, identifying regime lock-ins, and developing pathways to transition to a sustainable food system. Focusing on two often divergent publics, SB farmers and food-insecure populations, this research answers the questions: What critical agroecological characteristics are lacking in a food system contributing to both limited livelihoods of SB farmers and food-insecure populations? In what ways might the relationships of these two publics be central to an agroecological transition to a regional sustainable food system? We present a case study for the city-region Duluth-Northland, Minnesota, USA, by combining methodological and theoretical insights from participatory action research, agroecology, and sustainability transitions literature. Results include a current state of regional food flows, illuminate the food system’s enabling and inhibitory factors, and highlight opportunities for exercising local agency to transition to a sustainable food system using agroecological principles. This research suggests developing relational spaces where two typically divergent publics can dialogue and build reciprocal relationships to construct new food pathways. Findings also highlight a need to develop a social infrastructure to support SB farmer livelihoods, recognize their contribution to the public good, and simultaneously address multiple dimensions of food insecurity. This study provides preliminary guidance for mobilizing action at the nexus of health and food access, environment, and regenerative agriculture livelihoods.

Contributors

Contributors

The contextualisation of Chinese athletes’ careers in the Chinese Whole Nation System

ABSTRACT The current manuscript contributes to the development of culturally situated athletic career transition literature through an examination of how improved support may be developed for Chinese athletes within their training environment and the Chinese Whole Nation System (CWNS). An overview of the CWNS three-level training network is contextualised through a storied account written by two of the authors who are former Chinese elite athletes. The contextual insights of the CWNS conveyed through the blending of their shared reflective account, brings meaning to their journeys through the CWNS, whilst evoking consideration of the potential challenges and pathways embedded within Chinese athletes’ careers. The impact of the CWNS on athletes’ career development is then considered more broadly in relation to the athletic career scholarship. Highlighted is the importance of supporting aspiring athletes’ holistic development and accounting for transitions in athletes’ sport and non-sport lives as they transition through the CWNS.

When two movements collide: Learning from labour and environmental struggles for future Just Transitions

The term ‘Just Transition’ (JT) emerged from the 1970s North American labour movement to become a campaign for a planned energy transition that includes justice and fairness for workers. There is diversity in the JT narratives and ambitions that different actors put forward regarding its aims and strategies. This article critically reviews academic and grey literature on the JT in the Global North and South Africa to examine how labour, advocacy, private sector, and governmental actors frame and formulate the JT, and how narrative patterns across actors can signal transformative justice. Highlighting the JT’s origins, we fill a gap in transition literature by reintroducing the labour perspective into an analysis of affirmative and transformative justice, and propose an original theoretical framework that unites scholarship in environmental and labour studies. JT proposals are examined through an analysis of the actors, approaches, and tensions across five key themes: depth & urgency, scale & scope, identity & inclusion, material equity, and participation & power. Finally, we synthesise trends in our findings in relation to prominent JT discourses in the literature – Green Growth, Green Keynesianism, Energy Democracy, and Green Revolution – and discuss the transformative potential of JT alliances and coalitions going into the future.

Conceptualising institutional complexity in the upscaling of community enterprises: Lessons from renewable energy and carsharing

Community enterprises may play pivotal roles in sustainability transitions but have received limited attention in the transitions literature. This paper proposes a framework for theorising the challenges that community enterprises face as they scale up due to the rising institutional complexity of their organisational model, combining the institutional logics of community, market, and corporation. We conceptualise the upscaling processes of community enterprises by distinguishing between the community volunteerism phase, the niche creation phase and the niche expansion phase. We formulate nine propositions on how institutional complexity arises and on possible mechanisms to manage it in each phase of the upscaling process. Our theoretical framework is supported by empirical research on carsharing and renewable energy initiatives in Western Europe. The paper concludes with some avenues for further research on community enterprises in sustainability transitions.

Artistic Resources of Punctuation in V.V. Nabokov’s Works: from Linguistic to Figurative Sign

The article examines the artistic resources of punctuation marks in V.V. Nabokov’s works. It is known that the writer closely monitored the preservation of the author's punctuation in the translations of his books and left judgments about Flaubert’s punctuation as a significant stylistic feature. The writer's repeated reference to punctuation marks as a source of metaphors allows us to talk about the semantics of signs. The article focuses on the works of Nabokov, created in two languages and belonging to all three modes of literature. The possibility of considering English-language works together with those written in Russian is due to the mutual interference of the principles of punctuation and the very output of the graphic system beyond the purely linguistic level. The article examines the use of ellipsis, dashes, brackets and exclamation marks as elements of a figurative system rather than punctuation (based on syntax). So, the use of ellipsis and less often dashes is stable to indicate the non-verbalized essence of being, the underside of life. Brackets are associated with the sphere of theatricality in a broad sense, they mark the claims of the characters to authorship in their own lives. It is possible to use brackets to separate several narrative streams. There are cases when the inclusion of the meta description of the sign does not agree with the punctuation that forms these fragments. Such cases indicate the unreliability of the narrator. A special phenomenon is the iconic use of punctuation marks, when their semantic parameters are set by a graphic appearance. For example, the ellipsis visually resembles the traces left, and the brackets are a circle. The dash becomes a visible sign of speed, vector of movement or connection, internal kinship. The considered material allows us to see in Nabokov’s punctuation marks units that have their own semantics, relatively stable throughout the author’s work. We stipulate that this position cannot be applied to every use of the punctuation mark. The cases when punctuation marks become elements of the figurative, and not only the linguistic level, are individualized and determined by the broad context of the work.

Irish Literature in Transition, 1780–1830 ed. by Claire Connolly

Irish Literature in Transition, 1780–1830 ed. by Claire Connolly

Nineteenth-Century Literature in Transition: The 1880s, edited by Penny Fielding and Andrew Taylor

Nineteenth-Century Literature in Transition: The 1880s, edited by Penny Fielding and Andrew Taylor

African American Literature in Transition, 1800–1830: Volume 2 ed. by Jasmine Nichole Cobb

African American Literature in Transition, 1800–1830: Volume 2 ed. by Jasmine Nichole Cobb