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Libraries of Things - Drivers for a sustainable sharing economy? A case study of Circle Centre Lund

Kunert, Florence LU (2022) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20221
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
The gradual destruction of global ecosystems enhanced by the predominant growth paradigm and overconsumption, require social change and alternative practices. A sustainable sharing economy is one alternative pathway to challenge the current socio-economic system. This thesis explores the role of Libraries of Things in the transition to a sustainable sharing economy, particularly analysing the case of Circle Centre Lund. Using the concept of prefigurative change as a theoretical entry point, I analyse how Circle Centre Lund is establishing an alternative and which challenges and opportunities the organization faces in realizing its vision for a sustainable future. Semi-structured interviews of the organization’s providers and an... (More)
The gradual destruction of global ecosystems enhanced by the predominant growth paradigm and overconsumption, require social change and alternative practices. A sustainable sharing economy is one alternative pathway to challenge the current socio-economic system. This thesis explores the role of Libraries of Things in the transition to a sustainable sharing economy, particularly analysing the case of Circle Centre Lund. Using the concept of prefigurative change as a theoretical entry point, I analyse how Circle Centre Lund is establishing an alternative and which challenges and opportunities the organization faces in realizing its vision for a sustainable future. Semi-structured interviews of the organization’s providers and an online-survey of its members revealed its transformative potential, but also concerns about dependencies on external resources or the risk of commodification and different demands of the community. Meanwhile, the organization’s distinct experimental character and unique business model promote the establishment of a new norm and sustainable consumption practices while ensuring its future relevance. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Kunert, Florence LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20221
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
collaborative sharing, social change, prefiguration, sustainability science, non-profit sharing organizations, transformative potential
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2022:048
language
English
id
9086993
date added to LUP
2022-06-13 09:22:02
date last changed
2022-06-13 09:22:02
@misc{9086993,
  abstract     = {{The gradual destruction of global ecosystems enhanced by the predominant growth paradigm and overconsumption, require social change and alternative practices. A sustainable sharing economy is one alternative pathway to challenge the current socio-economic system. This thesis explores the role of Libraries of Things in the transition to a sustainable sharing economy, particularly analysing the case of Circle Centre Lund. Using the concept of prefigurative change as a theoretical entry point, I analyse how Circle Centre Lund is establishing an alternative and which challenges and opportunities the organization faces in realizing its vision for a sustainable future. Semi-structured interviews of the organization’s providers and an online-survey of its members revealed its transformative potential, but also concerns about dependencies on external resources or the risk of commodification and different demands of the community. Meanwhile, the organization’s distinct experimental character and unique business model promote the establishment of a new norm and sustainable consumption practices while ensuring its future relevance.}},
  author       = {{Kunert, Florence}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Libraries of Things - Drivers for a sustainable sharing economy? A case study of Circle Centre Lund}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}