Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations
Copyright Statement
All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.
Date of Award
1-1-2026
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
First Advisor
Cheryl Duckworth
Keywords
Art-Based Research; Critical Discourse Analysis; Decolonial policy; Energy poverty; Environmental justice; Marginalized communities
Abstract
Energy poverty remains a critical challenge globally, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Despite policy efforts to address this inequity, many initiatives unintentionally perpetuate systemic oppression and post-colonial narratives, exacerbating environmental injustices. This dissertation critically examines the intersection of energy poverty, political discourse, and cultural hegemony; to explore how well-intentioned policies may re-victimize marginalized communities. Drawing on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Art-Based Research (ABR), this study investigates how power dynamics are embedded in energy policy narratives and how these narratives shape and are resisted by the affected communities through creative expression. By incorporating existing quantitative data to contextualize the scale and impacts of energy poverty, this research juxtaposes policy discourses with the lived experiences of those impacted, particularly in countries with histories of colonization, such as the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. This research contributes to the growing field of conflict resolution by offering a multidimensional critique of energy policies and presenting innovative approaches to foster equitable policy development. It demonstrates how art can act as a method of resistance, critique, and re-imagination, providing practical insights into reshaping energy poverty interventions to address structural inequalities. Ultimately, the study advocates for a decolonial approach to policy-making that centers the voices of BIPOC communities, aiming to bridge the gap between intention and impact in addressing energy poverty.
NSUWorks Citation
Charlene Spence. 2026. Disrupting Energy Poverty: Policy Narratives, Structural Power, and Community Resistance through the Discourse Historical Approach and Arts-Based Research. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (286)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dcar_etd/286.