Quiet Activists and Light Environmentalism: Identity Work Among Participants in Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Programs

• In Event: 2251 - Section on Environmental Sociology Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 19. Public Participation in Science

Abstract

Since the 1970s the environmental movement has become increasingly institutionalized. Movement institutionalization often leads to increased popular support of social movements, but supporters are less likely to engage in political or protest activity. Indeed, the environmental movement has seen declining political activism over the last twenty years, even as other movement supportive behaviors (e.g recycling, carrying reusable shopping bags, etc.) have increased. Here I examine movement affiliation and identity work among participants in volunteer water quality monitoring programs. VWQM is unique in that it is a highly institutionalized movement activity, and bridges gaps in movement tactics by allowing folks to engage in public, collective pro-movement behavior without engaging in politics or protest. In light of this, I analyze how VWQM participants: conceptualize their role in and relationship to an evolving environmental movement, articulate group (collective, movement) and individual identities (personal, activist); and use VWQM as a vehicle for identity alignment. Results indicate participants 1) see VWQM as a unique opportunity to engage in the environmental movement in line with their personal identity, 2) readily accept collective and movement identities associated with the environmental movement.

Author

• Jaime McCauley, Coastal Carolina University