Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

A More Just Way of Living For Everybody? Stories of Language, Privilege, and a Transition Towns Movement in Eastern Canada

Bardos, Lucia LU (2015) HEKM50 20151
Human Ecology
Abstract
In this thesis I explore the relationship between the transition movement and social and ecological justice. Through a case study of Transition Guelph (TG), a transition town in Ontario, Canada, I discuss how TG creates a language based on binary concepts embedded in unequal power relations, and how this language informs their actions and activism. I also discuss how language affects their own organizing, as well as the relationships they form with local justice activists interested in collaboration with TG. As someone active in the transition movement, I employ a participatory action research approach to this project, and also engage in self-reflection about my own position of power as a researcher and member of dominant social groups. I... (More)
In this thesis I explore the relationship between the transition movement and social and ecological justice. Through a case study of Transition Guelph (TG), a transition town in Ontario, Canada, I discuss how TG creates a language based on binary concepts embedded in unequal power relations, and how this language informs their actions and activism. I also discuss how language affects their own organizing, as well as the relationships they form with local justice activists interested in collaboration with TG. As someone active in the transition movement, I employ a participatory action research approach to this project, and also engage in self-reflection about my own position of power as a researcher and member of dominant social groups. I contribute a critical discourse analysis of semi-structured interview data and focus group data, through which I discuss issues of language, privilege and inclusion in transition. I also contribute three theoretical discussions which explore: how TG and the transition movement can critically reflect on power relations linked to epistemologies; steps towards overcoming 'privilege fragility' or the discomfort associated with being confronted with one's privilege; and strategies for 'coalition politics' or building meaningful relationships with activists across differences of perspectives and tactics. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Bardos, Lucia LU
supervisor
organization
course
HEKM50 20151
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Language, Transition Towns, Transition Movement, Privilege, Epistemology, Coalition Politics, Feminist Theory
language
English
id
5366437
date added to LUP
2015-06-25 15:17:11
date last changed
2015-06-25 15:17:11
@misc{5366437,
  abstract     = {{In this thesis I explore the relationship between the transition movement and social and ecological justice. Through a case study of Transition Guelph (TG), a transition town in Ontario, Canada, I discuss how TG creates a language based on binary concepts embedded in unequal power relations, and how this language informs their actions and activism. I also discuss how language affects their own organizing, as well as the relationships they form with local justice activists interested in collaboration with TG. As someone active in the transition movement, I employ a participatory action research approach to this project, and also engage in self-reflection about my own position of power as a researcher and member of dominant social groups. I contribute a critical discourse analysis of semi-structured interview data and focus group data, through which I discuss issues of language, privilege and inclusion in transition. I also contribute three theoretical discussions which explore: how TG and the transition movement can critically reflect on power relations linked to epistemologies; steps towards overcoming 'privilege fragility' or the discomfort associated with being confronted with one's privilege; and strategies for 'coalition politics' or building meaningful relationships with activists across differences of perspectives and tactics.}},
  author       = {{Bardos, Lucia}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{A More Just Way of Living For Everybody? Stories of Language, Privilege, and a Transition Towns Movement in Eastern Canada}},
  year         = {{2015}},
}