Mutiny and sabotage in defense of mother earth: risk cultures, radical environmentalism and ecotage

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dc.contributor.advisorGibbs-Van Brunschot, Erin
dc.contributor.authorLaurendeau, Jason
dc.date.accessioned2017-12-18T21:27:29Z
dc.date.available2017-12-18T21:27:29Z
dc.date.issued2007
dc.descriptionBibliography: p. 195-214en
dc.description.abstractIn this dissertation, I argue that the characterization of radical environmental activists (sometimes referred to as "ecoterrorists") as crazed lunatics committed to a violent agenda is both inaccurate and an oversimplification. Employing Lash's (2000) notion of risk cultures, I explore the ideological underpinnings of radical environmental activism, the discourses observers and activists employ in describing "ecotage," and issues of force and violence. I maintain that Lash's risk culture formulation allows us to conceptualize the actions of these political actors as, in certain respects, rational responses to the anxieties of late modernity, particularly those centered around risk and risk discourses (Beck 1992). Drawing on analyses of mainstream and alternative media accounts, as well as interview data with ecoteurs and other actors engaged in various forms of civil disobedience actions, I suggest that there is a considered environmental philosophy that informs this kind of political action. I also point out that media and political agents, as well as industry (e.g., logging) representatives, demonize radical environmental activism, often characterizing it as criminal, even "terrorist," without serious critical discussion of the environmental objectives of the groups and individuals engaged in this kind of activism. Lastly, I point out that ecoteurs construct their tactics as non-violent, in contrast to the assessments of many observers. I do, however, contend that there are some points of slippage in these constructions, and highlight some evidence that violent tactics may be on the horizon. I conclude with a consideration of the notion of liminality (Bauman 1991), suggesting that it may help to shed light on some of the questions and contradictions highlighted in this dissertation.
dc.format.extentx, 215 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.en
dc.identifier.citationLaurendeau, J. (2007). Mutiny and sabotage in defense of mother earth: risk cultures, radical environmentalism and ecotage (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/1405en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/1405
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1880/102406
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgaryen
dc.publisher.placeCalgaryen
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.titleMutiny and sabotage in defense of mother earth: risk cultures, radical environmentalism and ecotage
dc.typedoctoral thesis
thesis.degree.disciplineSociology
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
ucalgary.item.requestcopytrue
ucalgary.thesis.accessionTheses Collection 58.002:Box 1730 520492247
ucalgary.thesis.notesUARCen
ucalgary.thesis.uarcreleaseyen
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