The Cultural Dimension in New Theoretical Approaches to the Sustainability Transition

This paper offers a sociological analysis of the transition towards sustainability, with particular attention to the cultural dimension of changing. Beginning with a theoretical reconstruction of the main perspectives on socio-technical transitions, it highlights the crucial role played by symbolic variables, shared values, and collective narratives. The article introduces the concept of "culturalization of sustainability" as a fundamental process for the institutionalization of enduring practices and it proposes an interpretative framework to examine the key cultural variables that influence the legitimacy and effectiveness of transition strategies. In conclusion, it advocates for a sociology of sustainability capable of integrating complex theoretical approaches with transformative orientations. Received: 9 July 2025 / Accepted: 28 August 2025 / Published: 12 September 2025