Social Networks and Sustained Activism in Local NIMBY Campaigns

Author(s): Ronit Shemtov

Source: Sociological Forum, Vol. 18, No. 2 (Jun., 2003), pp. 215-244

Abstract: This paper compares six NIMBY (not-in-my-backyard) movement organizations to explain why some of these social movement organizations expanded their goals while others did not. Analysis of interview and survey (N = 113) data reveals that friendship networks within the movement foster goal expansion (in part because people want to preserve the context for these friendships). External local political networks promoting their own rhetorical and resource agendas will inhibit goal expansion if they establish trusted links to the NIMBY organizations.

Download: Social Networks and Sustained Activism in Local NIMBY Campaigns