Environmental Networks And Social Movement Theory

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. Review: This book successfully provides a constructive framework for considering environmental networks through a 'dynamic process' combining a range of aspects of SMT which have previously been considered in isolation.

It highlights the extensive, and often surprising, network links between environmental organisations of differing spatial and ideological standpoints. This book's depth and accessible writing style make it an excellent accompaniment to both new and established readers examining politics, environmentalism and social movements. -- William Knight, University of Nottingham Political Studies Review Volume 13, Issue 1