Dissertation Research on Transition in New England, United States (Political Science/Sociology)

Hi everyone!

I am just beginning research on the Transition movement for my PhD dissertation in the Political Science.  The purpose of my research is to understand the political significance of the Transition movement in New England.  I hope to understand:

• how the Transition model is being used and adapted in New England;
• how people understand their own involvement in the Transition movement and the efficacy of the movement overall; and
• how participation in a Transition Initiative affects people’s ideas of social change, politics and democratic citizenship.
  

I will carry out the majority of the research from March through September of 2011 in Vermont and Massachusetts.  I will also conduct research in other places in New England, such as Maine, and likely some follow-up research in late 2011 and early 2012.  I expect my dissertation to be fully completed by May 2012.

I think there is a lot to learn from the organizing experiences of Transition groups and I hope that the study will contribute to a better understanding of the Transition movement as it is being undertaken in the US, and in New England in particular, and will be useful to Transition activists in the future.

I welcome any feedback or connections with others interested in these topics!

I can be reached at emilyhardt[at]gmail[dot]com

Thank you!

Emily Hardt

Somerville, Massachusetts