Schatzkian practice theory and energy consumption research: Time for some philosophical spring cleaning?

The version of practice theory developed by Theodore Schatzki is employed increasingly in energy consumption research. This emerged in response to problems Wittgenstein had identified in the core logic of prevailing rule-based, inter-subjectivist social theories of the late 20th century. Since then, however, the use and development of Schatzkian practice theory in energy studies has not been subjected to ongoing, robust philosophical critique. This paper offers some thoughts on how such a critique might proceed. It begins by outlining the roots of Schatzki's version of practice theory in his critique of Giddens and Bourdieu. It then explores three areas where practice theory appears to need more in-depth critique and development: a fuller account of the ontological status of 'practices' and what this implies for research models; more clarity on lines of causality; and the place of socio-economic issues within practices and their descriptions. It concludes that practice theory provides a very insightful framework for heuristic models in energy research but that its usefulness is held back by these yet unresolved difficulties.