The Contentious Politics of Expertise: Experts, Activism and Grassroots Environmentalism

This book explores the relationship between expertise and activism in grassroots environmentalism in Italy, comparing different political environments and analyzing how citizens, activists, and technical experts participate in using expertise. It shows how conflict transforms expertise production into a form of contentious politics, appealing to social scientists with interests in social movements, environmental sociology, science and technology studies, and the sociology of knowledge.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate interplay between expertise and activism in grassroots environmentalism, drawing from a comprehensive mix of mixed-methods research and ethnographic fieldwork across diverse sites in Italy. Through a series of in-depth interviews with citizens, activists, and experts, it explores the dynamic realm of activism surrounding infrastructure in urban areas, encompassing water management, transportation, tourism, and waste disposal. By comparing different political contexts, the author analyzes the diverse ways in which citizens, political activists, and technical experts engage with expertise, shedding light on its profound impact on the structure and composition of social movements. Furthermore, the study investigates the implications of this interaction for the mechanisms of participation and the formation of alliances, thus bridging the fields of expertise sociology and contentious politics. This exploration reveals how conflict, rather than inhibiting, transforms expertise production into a form of "contentious politics by other means." As such, this book holds immense appeal to social scientists with interests in social movements, environmental sociology, science and technology studies, and the sociology of knowledge.

Introduction:
The relationship between expertise and activism in grassroots environmentalism has been a subject of growing interest in recent years. As concerns about climate change, environmental degradation, and social justice continue to mount, individuals and communities are increasingly turning to grassroots movements to advocate for change. In this context, the role of expertise becomes crucial, as it provides the foundation for informed decision-making and effective advocacy.

Expertise and Activism:
This book examines the complex relationship between expertise and activism in grassroots environmentalism through a multi-faceted approach. It begins by exploring the concept of expertise and its various forms, including scientific, technical, and social expertise. The author then delves into the ways in which expertise is used in activism, including its role in shaping policy, influencing public opinion, and mobilizing communities.

Infrastructure Activism:
One of the key areas of focus in this book is infrastructure activism, which involves the advocacy and opposition to infrastructure projects such as dams, power plants, and transportation networks. The author argues that infrastructure activism is driven by a combination of technical and social factors, including concerns about environmental impact, social justice, and community empowerment.

Comparisons between Political Environments:
To further explore the relationship between expertise and activism, the author conducts comparisons between different political environments. This includes examining the role of government agencies, private corporations, and non-governmental organizations in shaping environmental policy and activism. The author also considers the impact of political ideologies, such as liberalism, conservatism, and socialism, on the dynamics of expertise and activism.

Citizens, Political Activists, and Technical Experts:
The book includes interviews with citizens, political activists, and technical experts who are involved in grassroots environmentalism. These interviews provide valuable insights into the perspectives and experiences of these individuals, shedding light on the ways in which they engage with expertise and contribute to environmental activism.

Effects of Expertise on Social Movements:
The author argues that expertise has the potential to shape the structure and composition of social movements. By providing a foundation of knowledge and understanding, expertise can help to mobilize communities, build alliances, and create a sense of shared purpose. However, the author also notes that expertise can be used to undermine social movements, particularly when it is wielded by powerful actors such as government agencies or private corporations.

Implications for Participation and Alliance Formation:
The book explores the implications of the relationship between expertise and activism for the mechanisms of participation and the formation of alliances. The author argues that the use of expertise can facilitate the participation of marginalized communities and individuals, as it provides them with access to information and resources that they may not have otherwise. However, the author also highlights the potential for power dynamics and inequalities to emerge within alliances, particularly when technical experts are in a dominant position.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between expertise and activism in grassroots environmentalism. By examining the dynamics of infrastructure activism, comparing political environments, and engaging with the perspectives of citizens, political activists, and technical experts, the author offers valuable insights into the ways in which expertise can be used to promote environmental sustainability and social justice. The book will appeal to social scientists with interests in social movements, environmental sociology, science and technology studies, and the sociology of knowledge.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367695446