Emotions and subjectivity: An analysis from below of the struggles for the defence of the territory

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide insight into struggles to defend the territory from the viewpoint of those involved. The study is based on the results of three case studies on opposition to dams. We reject the NIMBY label approach, and instead propose an analysis from below, that is, from the experience of the affected communities who strive to defend their territories. Special attention is given to the emotional dimension of these experiences and their consequences. Among other data collection and analysis techniques, our research design includes in-depth interviews of the individuals who have participated in these struggles, with the exception of external ecological and political activists. This paper aims to join the voices that have contributed to invalidating perspectives which consider citizens who defend the territory as ignorant, selfish and irrational by showing that emotions play an important role in these resistance movements in that they not only influence motivation, but also the outcomes of the protest, such as empowerment.