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Thinking of anti-incineration protests in strategic action fields

Three case studies in mainland China

Bibliographic Data

ID21690757
AuthorsXixi Zhang (0000-0001-5190-9650, Université de Montréal, corresponding author), Pierre Hamel (0000-0001-8014-1310, Université de Montréal)
Year2021
Volume26
Issue6
Pages673-691
Publication date2021-06-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueLocal Environment (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1354-9839 • E-ISSN: 1469-6711
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13549839.2021.1916897
OpenAlexW3155162590
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited82

Local protests against municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration have become intractable problems in metropolitan areas worldwide. Based on the theory of strategic action fields, we adopt a comprehensive perspective to understand how controversies surrounding MSW incineration exert influence over the dominant order within the field. Adopting a qualitative research method, we conducted field research in three Chinese cities where proposals for incineration plants have aroused disputes between different categories of actors. The collected empirical data consist of 42 semi-structured interviews and materials provided by interviewees. By examining the dynamic process of protests between challengers and incumbents, we found that skilled actors fight over a meso-level social order – the waste disposal industry and waste management policies – through competition and cooperation. We also found a mix of instrumental and existential motivations in their involvement in the conflict. Our findings deepens understanding of contentions regarding waste management, thereby enriching the existing literature. In a broader sense, our analysis contributes to the discussion of how actors occupying different positions compete for dominance in a specific field and can succeed, under certain circumstances, in shaping social action

Business · China · Geography · Incineration · Mainland China · Metropolitan area · Political science · Public relations · Waste management · Engineering · Mining and Resource Management · Municipal Solid Waste Management · Recycled Aggregate Concrete Performance

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Unique citing works4
Citations per year0,8
Citation span2021 - 2026 (6)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 4
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