"The dammed" : a comparative study of movements in resistance to hydro-electric projects

Abstract

I undertook this exploration due to the social significance of resistance movements and the lack of comparative studies regarding resistance. I explored the use of comparison to examine and evaluate the nature and forms of resistance to hydroelectric projects in order to make some suggestions for further study regarding conceptualizations of resistance movements. My thesis is that hydroelectric projects will generate similar strategic responses regarding resistance. Conditions may vary, but ultimately the forms of resistance and tactics employed will be similar.

Evidence has shown that people will resist hydroelectric projects (Goldsmith and Hildyard 1984, 1986; Cummings 1990; Colson 1971; Scudder 1985) and this is corroborated by the case studies found in this thesis.

To demonstrate the usefulness of a comparative method, I selected one structural problem, specifically, hydroelectric projects which are being resisted, in order to use an illustrative comparative method to examine strategies of resistance cross-regionally. My familiarity with the material to be examined led me to the thesis that there would be similarities and that uncovering these would contribute to the body of knowledge about resistance movements, as well as illustrating the effectiveness of a method not often employed in studies or theories of resistance. My discussion of current theories of resistance and studies of resistance demonstrate that the method of comparison is underutilized.

With this in mind, I have explored resistance movements in this thesis by discussing some of the literature surrounding these movements, as well as methods of comparison. I used three case studies to explore the use of comparison and offer comments and suggestions for future research.