From roadblocks to building blocks: Developing a theory for putting power in its place

Abstract

The demand for more local control has frequently been stimulated by communities suddenly facing the imposition of a toxic waster dump close by, or more clearcut logging in their watersheds, for example. Characterized as NIMBY - Not In My Back Yard - reactions, such responses are fully justified, but they often go little beyond the immediate concern. Consequently, communities remain divided in their calls for more local power and no long-term, integrated movement is created. The author believes that these isolated community actions could, if linked by more general theory, constitute a broader and more effective movement for putting more power in local places.