Transformative pragmatism: How a diversity of Leitbilder is harnessed for rural transformation in Réiden, Luxembourg

Abstract

This article attempts to further a geographical theory of socio‐ecological transformation. Understanding transformation has previously focused on regions, places, networks, or individual and collective spatialities as the unit of analysis pushing change. This article, by contrast, outlines the pragmatic function that individually and collectively held beliefs, goals, and purposes have. We call these guiding visions Leitbilder, and outline how they act as guiding lights, lodestars, that motivate, temper, and contain different people, groups, and initiatives. Where academic work exists here it is often voluntaristic, elective, focused on intentional, opt‐in communities and so tends towards studies of “usual suspects.” This paper by contrast, addresses those preforming radical environmentalist behavior, beyond a conscious or elective identity of being environmental. We do so by outlining the case of Réiden, Luxembourg. We present an in‐depth study of four transformative initiatives in different domains and, through Q‐method, outline their intricate, mutable, and catalytic interrelationships. We argue that to take proper account of the geography of transformation, the alignment of heterogenous Leitbilder in functionally diverse practice coalitions is crucial.

Strategizing desire

“…What this might mean for transformative organizing is well-exemplified in a recent publication by Doerr and Taylor Aiken (2021). The authors trace the coming together of heterogeneous actors and the confluences and divergences of their different desires, aspirations, and cultures around a functional diversity of ‘Leitbilder – “guiding visions”’ (Doerr and Taylor Aiken, 2021: 237). Rejecting strong ideological positions and drawing on a deep knowledge of ‘the diverse needs and capacities’ (ibid.)…”

“…Grotesque stratigraphy traces the actually existing complexity of places' sociocultural layeringincluding their (history of) collisions, divergences, and faultsexcavating (shared) desires that 'originate in but also out of' place (Sutherland, 2022). What this might mean for transformative organizing is well-exemplified in a recent publication by Doerr and Taylor Aiken (2021). The authors trace the coming together of heterogeneous actors and the confluences and divergences of their different desires, aspirations, and cultures around a functional diversity of 'Leitbilder -"guiding visions"' (Doerr and Taylor Aiken, 2021: 237).…”

Hopefulness for transformative grassroots change

“…Questions remain in work on community initiatives about troubling exclusions and, at times, for example, the prioritisation of environmental goals over concerns for social justice. Despite a continued emphasis on place and the everyday, and that place‐based collaborations enable pragmatic coalitions across difference, there are tensions about belonging and identity in many community social change projects (Doerr & Taylor Aiken, n.d.). These tensions have tended to be tackled by questioning how social justice is understood, practiced, and achieved.…”

Governing through community: Transformative geographies from the bottom up

“…Such a “localized density of countercultural practices, institutions, and networks” (Longhurst, 2015, p. 184) can catalyse further transformatory action. Doerr and Taylor Aiken (2021) discuss how a place‐specific frame of reference can supersede politico‐economic differences and instigate pragmatic transformational coalitions. And Balaguer Rasillo (2020) explores how cooperative networks build alternative financial infrastructures which, in turn, facilitate further pro‐social and environmental action.…”