Clare Saunders - Environmental Networks and Social Movement Theory - Bloomsbury Academic, Uk, April 2013

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.

Table of contents:
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Environmental movements and environmental networks
Chapter 3. Key organisations and campaigns in London's environmental network
Chapter 4. The role of resources in relationships
Chapter 5. Political structures, political contingencies and environmental networks
Chapter 6. Environmental networks and new social movement theory
Chapter 7. Collective identity and solidarity. Do they unify or factionalise environmental networks?
Chapter 8. Towards a synthetic analytical framework for understanding interaction in environmental networks


Clare Saunders is Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Southampton, UK.
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