CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2022
| Author | King, Criostoir |
|---|---|
| Title | Bursting the Bubble of Environmental Activism: Environmental Philosophies, Ecological Habitus and Diversity in Austrian Environmental Movements |
| Summary | Environmental movements in Austria, as elsewhere in the Global North, are often accused of being disproportionately comprised of white, middle-class activists. However, the scene of environmental activism in Austria has been changing recently, with the emergence of new, younger movements and growing engagement from trade unions. Based on ethnographic fieldwork within one established Austrian environmental NGO, and interviews with activists from other environmental and trade union organisations, I explore the much-discussed issue of class and racial diversity in environmental activism from a new angle. I analyse how both the environmental philosophies of a movement and the more mundane elements of its culture shape its ecological habitus, thus creating a culture of inclusion for some, while excluding others. Looking at Global North environmental movements through a Marxist and decolonial lens, I argue for a rethinking of dominant philosophies which fail to challenge the broader systemic causes of environmental problems. Addressing problems of inclusion and diversity within Austrian environmental movements requires both this philosophical rethinking and the creation of more inclusive cultures within environmental movements. Furthermore, I argue that these two factors are inextricably connected, as certain environmental philosophies form part of the ecological habitus of environmental activists, and thus part of the culture of a movement. This suggests the need to go beyond surface-level measures aimed at inclusion and diversity, towards a deep rethinking of the structures and cultures of Austrian environmental movements. |
| Supervisor | Sopranzetti, Claudio; Aistara, Guntra |
| Department | Sociology MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2022/king_criostoir.pdf |
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