Transformative Incrementalism (TI)

TI is a theory that explains social processes to achieve significant and transformative change in urban systems during times when change efforts are not responding to a current crisis. In TI change is a long process characterized by incremental actions that each purposefully work towards a desired change in the system.

TI reveals and describes the principal role of power in the recursive and non-linear paths of transformative change initiatives. It explains the interconnected roles of values, practice, and the outcomes of practice in the process of change. The change process is driven by power in long-term, incremental efforts to respond to and influence values towards states of convergence (agreement) within the public, bureaucratic, industry, and political spheres of actors through practice and outcomes. Convergence refers to the point where there is sufficient alignment of values between all spheres of actors such that there is agreement to undertake action towards transformative change. Once sufficient convergence is achieved, windows of opportunity open for effective, incremental change initiatives that contribute to achieving a transformative change in the urban system.

Origin

TI was developed by Robert Buchan in his 2017 dissertation (1). This research occurred at the University of Victoria. Buchan has published articles on TI in Progress in Planning (2), Plan Canada (3), and Municipal World (4). A book has also been published on TI by Municipal World (5). TI was developed by Buchan using Glaser’s Classic Grounded Theory methodology. The original research focused on Food Systems; however, the broader applicability of TI is supported by a number of contributing authors in Buchan’s book (5).

Contrasts to Other Planning Theory

Community planning theories have not squarely addressed the process by which change occurs which is the focus of TI. They have a lot to say about how planning occurs but not about how change occurs. This is arguably a problem for the potential effectiveness of planning efforts that are premised on the need for change.

TI builds on the premises of a number of existing planning theories, and it explicitly addresses the lack of attention to the role of power in planning processes. Lindblom’s Incrementalism (6) is significantly different from TI. Incrementalism describes the “branch method” of choosing between policy options based on their perceived differences in quality. In contrast, TI presents incremental change as a social process characterized by slow and cumulative actions and driven by power. TI is closer to Friedman’s view of incremental and cumulative actions (7). However, in Friedman’s description of the change process, he did not incorporate power (8). Similarly, Forester’s (9) attempt to address the role of power was also limited to the planner’s role to challenge power with information. TI incorporates Forester’s use of power, but it is more comprehensive in its treatment.

TI positions leaders as active agents in the change process. It is consistent with Bevir’s (10) reformulated Foucauldian approach, which provides for agency in changing power regimes; it is rooted in Mannheim’s view of the role of planners as providing guidance for social change (8); and it is consistent with Habermas’ theory of communicative action (11).

References

1) Buchan R., TRANSFORMATIVE INCREMENTALISM: A Grounded Theory for Planning Transformative Change in Local Food Systems 2) Buchan R., Cloutier D., Friedman A.,& Ostry A. 2018, Transformative Incrementalism:
Planning for transformative change in local food systems. Progress in Planning 3) Buchan R., 2017, Power: That-Which-Must-Not-Be-Named. Plan Canada. Winter, Vol 57. No 4 4) Buchan R., 2018, Are We There Yet?, Municipal World, March 5) Buchan R., 2019, TRANSFORMATIVE INCREMENTALISM: The Sustainability Journey, Rob Buchan Editor, Municipal World 6) Lindblom, C. (2012). The science of ‘muddling through.” In S. Fainstein & S. Campbell (Eds.), Readings in planning theory. Wiley-Blackwell, Third Edition, 176-190. 7) Friedman, J. (1973). Retracking America: A theory of transactive planning. Anchor Press/Double Day. . 8) Friedman, J. (2011). Insurgencies: Essays in planning theory. London and New York: Routledge. R. Upton & P. Healey (Eds.) 9) Forester, J. (1980). Planning in the face of power. University of California Press. 10) Habermas, J. (1984). The theory of communicative action, T. McCarthy (Translator). Boston: Beacon Press. 11) Bevir, M. (1999). Foucault, power, and institutions. Political Studies, XLVII, 345-359.