Governmental Perspectives on Multimodality as Part of a Socio-Ecological Mobility Transformation
This dissertation project deals with governance and (neoliberal) governmentality perspectives in the socio-ecological mobility transformation. Its contribution is twofold: First, it aims to expand the academic literature on multimodality and mobility hubs by developing a multi-level governance framework. Second, it elaborates multi-level governance frameworks and underlying power relations more critically based on the concepts of governmentality and dispositf as developed in the late work of Michel Foucault.
Based on these perspectives, the overall research question for this project is how multimodal mobility can be realized and thereby contribute to a sustainable transformation. Methodologically, it follows an interpretive research design. It combines theoretical approaches of governmentality research with political science approaches of multi-level governance and applies them to empirical case studies investigating urban contexts and local mobility policies. Examining governmental power at the societal and individual levels allows for a critical demarcation from the neoliberal paradigm and a reflection on the dominant logic of technical optimization and focus on market-based solutions.
Ultimately, it contributes to a holistic understanding of socio-ecological mobility transformation, identifies obstacles, and allows for practical recommendations on successfully implementing an attractive, widespread, and equitable multimodal transport system. The dissertation project is designed as a publication-based dissertation.