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The Rattlin' Bog: The role of cultural values in discourse around peatland use in Ireland

Mulville, Niamh LU (2022) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20221
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Ireland is reducing its reliance on turf (peat fuel), as draining peatlands for fuel-harvest impacts biodiversity and global warming. Turf-cutting is a historically important practice in Ireland, with many relying on it for fuel and employment. This study examines the role of cultural values in discourse around peatland use in Ireland, to support a Just Transition away from a reliance on peat. This was done using Critical Discourse Analysis to investigate discourse on a pro-turf cutting Facebook page, and semi-structured interviews with peatland stakeholders. My findings show that turf-cutting is attached to a sense of Irish identity, and economic motivations are masked by more persuasive cultural arguments. Additionally, turf-cutting is... (More)
Ireland is reducing its reliance on turf (peat fuel), as draining peatlands for fuel-harvest impacts biodiversity and global warming. Turf-cutting is a historically important practice in Ireland, with many relying on it for fuel and employment. This study examines the role of cultural values in discourse around peatland use in Ireland, to support a Just Transition away from a reliance on peat. This was done using Critical Discourse Analysis to investigate discourse on a pro-turf cutting Facebook page, and semi-structured interviews with peatland stakeholders. My findings show that turf-cutting is attached to a sense of Irish identity, and economic motivations are masked by more persuasive cultural arguments. Additionally, turf-cutting is linked to a knowledge hierarchy and power division between Dublin and rural Ireland. There is a need for economic support in the transition from peatreliance, while fostering dialogue between different knowledge holders to support inclusive peatland management. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Mulville, Niamh LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20221
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Sustainability science, turf-cutting, cultural practice, just transition, peatland conservation.
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2022:031
language
English
id
9086608
date added to LUP
2022-06-10 10:41:07
date last changed
2022-06-10 10:41:07
@misc{9086608,
  abstract     = {{Ireland is reducing its reliance on turf (peat fuel), as draining peatlands for fuel-harvest impacts biodiversity and global warming. Turf-cutting is a historically important practice in Ireland, with many relying on it for fuel and employment. This study examines the role of cultural values in discourse around peatland use in Ireland, to support a Just Transition away from a reliance on peat. This was done using Critical Discourse Analysis to investigate discourse on a pro-turf cutting Facebook page, and semi-structured interviews with peatland stakeholders. My findings show that turf-cutting is attached to a sense of Irish identity, and economic motivations are masked by more persuasive cultural arguments. Additionally, turf-cutting is linked to a knowledge hierarchy and power division between Dublin and rural Ireland. There is a need for economic support in the transition from peatreliance, while fostering dialogue between different knowledge holders to support inclusive peatland management.}},
  author       = {{Mulville, Niamh}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{The Rattlin' Bog: The role of cultural values in discourse around peatland use in Ireland}},
  year         = {{2022}},
}