Political ecology : a study of the Irish anti-nuclear movement
Date
1982
Authors
Dalby, W. Simon (Wilfrid Simon)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis approaches the nuclear power controversy from a social movement perspective rather than from the more frequently used pressure group/behavioural perspective. A sympathetic stance to opponents of nuclear power is taken and the thesis focuses on the ideas which inspire the anti-nuclear movement.
The first part reviews the development of nuclear power as an energy source, discusses the ideas of social movements, and summarises the more important features of the New Left and Environmental Movements which have influenced the international opposition to nuclear power.
The second part is a case study showing how these factors have influenced the Irish anti-nuclear movement. Using a combination of literature reviews, interviews and questionnaire results chapters deal with the historical development of the controversy, the opposition movement literature, the radical political ideas which influenced the form of the movement, rank and file attitudes and motivations, and the influence of the anti-nuclear movement on other environmental issues in Ireland.
The conclusions show that the anti-nuclear movement is a diverse amalgam of many social elements combining to oppose a technology perceived as dangerous and the political systems that promote it.