Welcome to our CSS Literacy toolbox
Practical, reflective methods to make power visible in Inter- and transdisciplinary collaborations.
Why this matters
While many tools support collaboration and natural science literacy, tools that focus on critical social science literacy—especially with respect to hidden power dynamics—are still rare. Yet these power dynamics shape what is accepted as valid knowledge, which voices are heard, and which solutions become possible in mainstream science and society.
Our perspective
Critical social science sees hidden power not as a side issue, but as central to achieving meaningful and transformative societal change.
What this enables
Our tools support researchers and practitioners in identifying, reflecting on, and engaging with power dynamics embedded in institutions, collaboration processes, and knowledge systems.
Not sure where to start?
These 3 steps will help you get the most out of the toolbox.
1. Understand the Types of Power
Our tools help you engage with different forms of power that shape collaboration and outcomes.
2. Be Open to Transformative Learning
Working with power can feel uncomfortable—and that’s part of the process.
3. Use Tools in Combination
This toolbox works best alongside other methods.
The Types of Power Our Tools Engage With
A) Discursive Power
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Power that acts through discourses (how something is talked about and represented), which shape what’s visible, valued, and legitimized.
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Influences whose knowledge counts and which solutions are thinkable.
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Includes framing power.
B) Structural Power
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Power that is reinforced through societal structures and institutions, rules, norms, and everyday practices.
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Includes:
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Operational Power: formal/informal rights and access
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Rule-making Power: “power to make rules… and to bias rules towards certain values” (p. 3)
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Source: Arias-Arévalo et al. (2023), p.3
Our tools are grounded in these two types of power. Learn more about the concepts and our approach.
Translating Transformations Tools
Tools to make power visible.
➤ Best used at the beginning of your project.
➤ Our tools are well-tested, but we sometimes update them when new insights emerge. We welcome your feedback and ideas to help us make them even more useful.
