Le développement durable comme objet de transactions

Abstract

This paper reveals the contribution made by the sociology of social transaction in the increased prominence given to sustainable development indicators in the urban policies of the Bruxelles-Capitale region. It focuses on three main transactions of the ecological injunction: mobility policies, combating unemployment and attractiveness. It demonstrates how “hardline” versions of the sustainability indicators find their way into public policy and dovetail with existing systems, by taking advantage of the path of least resistance and articulating with or complementing other “fashionable” indicators. These adjustments have an influence on the definition of problems and their solutions and in effect lessen the strength of sustainability policies.

Keywords

• Transaction
• Sustainable development
• Urban policies
• Mobility
• Unemployment
• Attractiveness