Brazilian social challenges analyzed from the perspective of the field of sustainability transitions research

Abstract

The field of research on transitions to sustainability is the subject of this article. The field emerged from the concern of scientists and the public with the persistence of social systems that are known to be unsustainable, and the interest in transforming these systems towards a state of sustainability. In this context, a literature review was conducted to identify Brazilian social challenges that have already been addressed from the perspective of the field of study. After the filters, a set of 30 documents was obtained, and their content is presented in categories. The synthesis and analysis of the set offer an insight into the (still scarce, but growing) use of the foundations of transitions to sustainability to address social challenges in Brazil. We conclude that: different types of Brazilian challenges have already been addressed; there is an emphasis on social-ecological challenges involving the Amazon region and on transitions in food systems; socio-technical challenges with an emphasis on technological innovation have been little explored, and are a suggestion for future research.