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Going Against the Flow

The Biopolitics of Dams and Diversions

Bibliographic Data

ID8099344
AuthorsStrang (0000-0002-9113-5458, Institute of Advanced StudyDurham University Cosin’s HallUK, corresponding author), Veronica Strang
Year2013
Volume17
Issue2
Pages161-173
Publication date2013-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueWorldviews Global Religions Culture and Ecology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1363-5247 • E-ISSN: 1568-5357
PublisherBrill (PUBLISHER • NL)
DOI10.1163/15685357-01702007
OpenAlexW2058178321
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited5

Interactions with water are indicative not only of relationships between human groups but also of relationships with other species. In biopolitical economies few things express dominance over other species as clearly as damming and redirecting flows of water to give primacy to human needs. Yet despite growing opposition, dams—especially large ones—are still presented triumphantly, as symbols of successful nationhood and economic development. Building on ethnographic research in Australia, this chapter examines the allure of dams. It suggests that they represent not only a competition for wealth, but also an aspiration for control over life itself and the vitality of “living water

Biology · Biopower · Dominance (genetics · Environmental ethics · Ethnography · Opposition (politics · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Vitality · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Anthropology · Geographies of human-animal interactions · Water Governance and Infrastructure · Law · Philosophy

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Unique citing works11
Citations per year0,92
Citation span2014 - 2026 (13)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 11
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