Environmental Networks and Social Movement Theory

Description

Clare Saunders’ book is an important contribution to the literature on social movements and environmentalism. Using the concept of 'environmental networks', it explores the extent to which social movement theory helps us understand how a broad range of environmental organizations interact. It considers the practicalities of social movement theories and it goes on to relate them to the practices of environmental networks. Theoretically and empirically rich, the book draws on extensive survey material with 144 UK environmental organizations, as diverse as not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) groups, reformists, conservationists and radicals; interviews with more than 40 key campaigners and extensive participant-observation, particularly in London. Focussing particularly on the crucial question of networking dynamics, the book reveals that there are broad ranging network links across the movements’ spatial and ideological dimensions. Combined with inevitable ideological clashes and a degree of sectarian rivalry, these links helps produce vibrant environmental networks that together work to protect and/or preserve the environment. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone concerned with environmental issues, politics and movements. Cover Half-title Title Copyright Dedication Contents List of Tables List of Figures Acknowledgements 1 Introduction Aims Why research networking among environmental organizations? Theoretical approach Methodological approach The contents 2 Environmental Movements or Networks? Defining movements Environmental networks Who is part of the environmental movement? Environmental networks and environmental movements Concluding remarks 3 Key Organizations and Campaigns in London’s Environmental Networks National environmental organizations Regional environmental organizations Local environmental organizations Key environmental campaigns in London Concluding remarks 4 The Role of Resources in Relationships Resource mobilization theory and rationality Organizational-level resource mobilization theory Evaluating resource mobilization theory Competition, resource mobilization and implications for environmental networks Resource mobilization and networks in practice: The London data Concluding remarks 5 Political Structures, Political Contingencies and Environmental Networks The ‘strong’ approach The ‘weak’ approach The case for looking at organizational strategy and status Political opportunities and interaction in environmental networks: The London data Concluding remarks 6 Environmental Networks and New Social Movement Theory What is new social movement theory? What is new? Evaluating new social movement theory Implications for environmental networks New social movement theory in practice: The London data Concluding remarks 7 Collective Identity and Solidarity: Unity or Factionalism? What is identity? The exclusive identity of radical environmentalism Collective identity and solidarity in three environmental organizations Concluding remarks 8 Towards a Synthetic Analytical Framework for Understanding Interaction in Environmental Networks Limitations of social movement theories Why integrate social movement theories? The Dynamics of Contention A synthetic approach to campaigns against climate change and aviation expansion Concluding remarks Conclusion Appendix 1
List of interviewees Appendix 2 Survey Appendix 3 List of survey respondents Appendix 4 Key to Figures 6.2 and 6.3 Notes References Index