Working-class people, Extinction Rebellion and the environmental movements of the Global North

Bell, K. (2021) Working-class people, Extinction Rebellion and the environmental movements of the Global North. In: Bell, K. (ed.) Diversity and Inclusion in Environmentalism. Series: Routledge studies in environmental justice. Routledge: Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY, pp. 63-81. ISBN 9780367567309 (doi: 10.4324/9781003099185-5)

Abstract

This chapter critiques the myth that working-class people do not care about the environment. It argues that their lack of representation in the mainstream environmental organisations is more a result of the inaccessibility of these organisations. Drawing on the author’s personal experience as a life-long environmental activist from a working-class background, her prior career as a community development worker in disadvantaged communities and relevant academic research, the chapter discusses the barriers to engaging with mainstream environmentalism for working-class people. It focusses on the problematic tactics and discourse of Extinction Rebellion as a recent example of the ongoing existence of such barriers. Finally, two forms of ‘working-class environmentalism’ are highlighted: the trade union health and safety movement and the environmental justice movement.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bell, Dr Karen
• Authors: Bell, K.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISBN: 9780367567309
• Published Online: 03 June 2021