Thesis Abstract

Environmental justice is a critical issue that has gained increasing attention in recent years. This research project aims to explore new perspectives on environmental justice by examining the intersection of social inequalities, environmental degradation, and policy responses. The traditional understanding of environmental justice has focused on the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens among different social groups. However, this project seeks to broaden this perspective by considering the complex dynamics that shape environmental injustices, including power relations, historical legacies, and cultural factors. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, this research will analyze how environmental injustices are manifested in various contexts, such as urban areas, indigenous communities, and developing countries. By examining the root causes and impacts of environmental injustices, this project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying issues that perpetuate environmental inequalities. In addition, this research will investigate the effectiveness of current policy responses to address environmental injustices and propose new strategies to promote environmental justice. One of the key objectives of this research is to highlight the interconnected nature of environmental justice with other social justice issues, such as racial discrimination, economic inequality, and access to resources. By exploring these intersections, this project aims to provide a more holistic understanding of environmental justice and its implications for marginalized communities. Furthermore, this research will analyze the role of advocacy groups, grassroots movements, and international organizations in advancing environmental justice goals and promoting more inclusive and equitable environmental policies. Overall, this research project will contribute to advancing the field of environmental justice by offering new perspectives and insights into the complex challenges facing communities affected by environmental inequalities. By critically examining the social, political, and economic dimensions of environmental justice, this research seeks to inform policy-makers, researchers, and activists on effective strategies to address environmental injustices and promote sustainable and equitable development. Ultimately, this project aims to empower marginalized communities and foster a more just and inclusive society where all individuals can enjoy a clean and healthy environment.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Women make up the vast majority of activists and organizers of grassroots movements fighting against environmental ills that threaten poor and people of color communities. New Perspectives on Environmental Justice is the first collection of essays that pays tribute to the enormous contributions women have made in these endeavors.

The writers offer varied examples of environmental justice issues such as children’s environmental health campaigns, cancer research, AIDS/HIV activism, the Environmental Genome Project, and popular culture, among many others. Each one focuses on gender and sexuality as crucial factors in women’s or gay men’s activism and applies environmental justice principles to related struggles for sexual justice. The contributors represent a wide variety of activist and scholarly perspectives including law, environmental studies, sociology, political science, history, medical anthropology, American studies, English, African and African American studies, women’s studies, and gay and lesbian studies, offering multiple vantage points on gender, sexuality, and activism.

Feminist/womanist impulses shape and sustain environmental justice movements around the world, making an understanding of gender roles and differences crucial for the success of these efforts.