Diverse Flocks, Shared Spaces: Birdwatching and Environmental Engagement in the Greater Boston Area

• In Event: 40462 - Section on Animals and Society Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 2: Animals and Meaning

Abstract

Drawing from the literature on urban environmental sociology and environmental justice, this paper examines how birdwatching serves as a platform for environmental solidarity and social change in urban settings. Utilizing ethnographic observations across multiple birdwatching sites in the Greater Boston area, along with in-depth interviews with 30 birdwatchers from diverse backgrounds, this study investigates how diversity shapes environmental views and conservation practices. By focusing on marginalized communities often excluded from mainstream environmental movements, the research reveals how birdwatching intersects with struggles against environmental degradation and urban displacement, challenges traditional narratives of environmental engagement, and highlights the potential of birdwatching to foster inclusive environmental solidarities. By exploring how shared natural spaces facilitate connections across social differences, this study pushes the boundaries of environmental sociology, offering innovative perspectives on community-building, environmental stewardship, and urban resilience.

Author

• Lan Huang, Boston College