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Dams, neoliberalism, and rights: Mainstreaming environmental justice claims
Author(s) -
Kaneti Marina
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
sustainable development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1099-1719
pISSN - 0968-0802
DOI - 10.1002/sd.1996
Subject(s) - opposition (politics) , mainstreaming , environmental justice , mainstream , political science , prosperity , neoliberalism (international relations) , political economy , public administration , sociology , environmental ethics , law and economics , law , politics , special education , philosophy
Dams have a contentious reputation. Symbols of independence, progress, and prosperity to some, they are a lived reality of displacement, obliteration of sacred sites, and environmental degradation to others. Given the massive expansion of dam construction in recent years, this article engages in a critical assessment of the institutional limitations to dam opposition and explores alternative venues for anti‐dam mobilization and the voicing of claims to environmental justice. The article argues that a potentially effective means of dam opposition requires the alignment of both environmental justice and rights claims with mainstream societal conversations and government priorities. In order to resonate with a broader community vision of national interests and priorities, anti‐dam opposition also needs to integrate a message of collective duties and responsibilities.