Abstract
There is a rift between environmentalists and environmental scientists brought on by societal stereotypes (Sissenwine). Environmentalists strive to advocate for environmental change; however, when they are defined by their stereotypes, their political movements are minimized by society so that they are no longer effective (Bashir). Environmental scientists often disengage from environmentalists because they do not want to obtain the associated stereotypes of these activists (Bashir). This is problematic because it prevents knowledgeable individuals from coming together in order to address the larger environmental problems in society (Castano, Paladino, et al). Therefore we will provide solutions that will allow environmentalists to become an accepted part of a larger conversation that effectively undertakes the environmental concerns that face our world today. We will achieve this by first establishing the societal stereotypes of environmentalists through surveys, then we will conduct a series of interviews to identify and complicate the rift caused by these stereotypes. Ultimately we will reveal different ways for environmentalists to improve their image and become more productive in societal change. At the end of this project, we hope to promote the cooperation between environmentalists and environmental scientists to establish a united front that will facilitate effective environmental change.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Kelly Concannon
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-8-2016 1:00 PM
End Date
4-8-2016 5:30 PM
Science and Activism: Overcoming Stereotypes
Alvin Sherman Library
There is a rift between environmentalists and environmental scientists brought on by societal stereotypes (Sissenwine). Environmentalists strive to advocate for environmental change; however, when they are defined by their stereotypes, their political movements are minimized by society so that they are no longer effective (Bashir). Environmental scientists often disengage from environmentalists because they do not want to obtain the associated stereotypes of these activists (Bashir). This is problematic because it prevents knowledgeable individuals from coming together in order to address the larger environmental problems in society (Castano, Paladino, et al). Therefore we will provide solutions that will allow environmentalists to become an accepted part of a larger conversation that effectively undertakes the environmental concerns that face our world today. We will achieve this by first establishing the societal stereotypes of environmentalists through surveys, then we will conduct a series of interviews to identify and complicate the rift caused by these stereotypes. Ultimately we will reveal different ways for environmentalists to improve their image and become more productive in societal change. At the end of this project, we hope to promote the cooperation between environmentalists and environmental scientists to establish a united front that will facilitate effective environmental change.
