A critique of generative class theories of environmentalism and of the labour–environmentalist relationship

Norton, Paul Clifford Royce

doi:10.1080/09644010412331308394

Cited by 18 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Regarding the link between membership of the new middle class and environmental activism, some studies showed a weak link with voting for green parties (49,50). More recent empirical literature challenges this argument in showing that environmental activists' backgrounds are much more diverse (51), that social movements have a much larger and diverse following than just the new middle class (15,52), and that being part of the new middle class may in some cases, rather, have a negative effect on environmental activism (53).…”

Section: Social Bases and Political Valuesmentioning

confidence: 91%

Environmental Movements in Advanced Industrial Democracies: Heterogeneity, Transformation, and Institutionalization

Giugni

Grasso

2015

Annu. Rev. Environ. Resour.

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Environmental movements are networks of informal interactions that may include individuals, groups, and organizations engaged in collective action motivated by shared identity or concern about environmental issues. This article reviews literature on environmental movements (including antinuclear energy movements) according to four main aspects: the social bases and values underlying the movements' mobilization, the resources supporting their mobilization, the political opportunities channeling their mobilization, and the cultural framing processes through which environmental issues are defined as social and political problems to be addressed through mobilization. In addition, we consider the historical antecedents and roots of environmental movements. Finally, we discuss the interplay between the local and the global levels and the movements' impacts, a long neglected issue in the social movement literature. Our review highlights three main features of environmental movements: they are heterogeneous; they have profoundly transformed themselves; and they have generally become more institutionalized.

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Section: Social Bases and Political Valuesmentioning

confidence: 91%

Environmental Movements in Advanced Industrial Democracies: Heterogeneity, Transformation, and Institutionalization

Giugni

Grasso

2015

Annu. Rev. Environ. Resour.

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“…Environmental movements are often urban and middle-class in character (Berglund, 1998;Norton, 2003) and they tend to focus on global heritage or 'common goods' such as biodiversity that have to be protected in the name of the future in general (Ingold, 1993;Brosius, 1999;Berglund, 2001). Rural social movements focus on defending their specific life-worlds, traditions, and culture (Gorlach et al, 2008), such as the Sámi or reindeer herding cultures in Fennoscandia (Lehtola, 2004;Hukkinen, 2008).Thus, the positions and argumentation of rural social movements and ENGOs in relation to nature are different in scale, even both are shaping the very same landscapes of today.…”

Section: Social Movements As Environmental Pressure Groupsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social Movements' Pressure Strategies during Forest Disputes in Finland

Sarkki¹,

Heikkinen

2010

Journal of Natural Resources Policy Research

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Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) and rural social movements have become influential actors in natural resource governance. This article analyzes forestry dispute strategies in three cases from northern Finland, applying Actor-Network Theory (ANT), with special attention to its concept of translation, to analyze emerging multilevel stakeholder networks that include both human actors and non-human interests. Our particular focus is on the race for spokesman status on behalf of such 'third parties'. We find that the more heterogeneous actor-networks the stakeholders build, the better opportunities they have to reach their goals. Successful strategies build environmental policy actor-networks in particular by combining different levels of human interests with different ecological arguments.

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“…This manipulative strategy of using capital and control over jobs to intimidate workers into allying with industry is referred to by Kazis and Grossman (1982) as “job blackmail.” The practice of environmental job blackmail attempts to refocus workers’ grievances against their employers toward environmental activism based on the fear that stricter environmental regulations will force companies to close production. This strategy has proven effective in driving a wedge between labor and environmental movements, which some class theorists view as natural allies based on their relationship to capital (Foster 1993; Norton 2003). By exaggerating the impact of environmental policy on jobs, workers are prevented from identifying with environmental groups who promote the idea that a growing economy and healthy environment are not mutually exclusive goals.…”

Section: Labor‐environmental Relationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cross‐Movement Coalition Formation: Bridging the Labor‐Environment Divide*

Mayer

2009

Sociological Inquiry

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Relations between the labor and environmental movements exist within a complex web of clashing interests, electoral politics, and attempts to form enduring blue‐green coalitions. Unions and other labor organizations are often portrayed as solely interested in economic growth. Environmental organizations are often seen as solely interested in preserving the natural world at the expense of economic growth, thus creating a direct conflict between the interests of labor and environmental organizations. Despite these perceived differences, efforts to bridge the divide between the two movements are increasingly common. This article examines the formation of a collective identity shared by workers and environmentalists participating in the coalition. I develop this argument through an ethnographic analysis of the formation of a blue‐green coalition, the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, using in‐depth interviews, observations, and content analyses. I demonstrate how coalition leaders and bridge brokers work to bridge and consolidate the identities of labor and environmental groups to campaign for environmental health regulatory changes in Massachusetts.

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A critique of generative class theories of environmentalism and of the labour–environmentalist relationship

Cited by 18 publications

References 24 publications

Environmental Movements in Advanced Industrial Democracies: Heterogeneity, Transformation, and Institutionalization

Environmental Movements in Advanced Industrial Democracies: Heterogeneity, Transformation, and Institutionalization

Social Movements' Pressure Strategies during Forest Disputes in Finland

Cross‐Movement Coalition Formation: Bridging the Labor‐Environment Divide*

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