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THE STRUCTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS IN SMALL U.S. STATES AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY by David B. Carter A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the University of Delaware in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Affairs and Public Policy Spring 2017 © 2017 David B. Carter All Rights Reserved THE STRUCTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS IN SMALL U.S. STATES AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY by David B. Carter Approved: __________________________________________________________ Maria P. Aristigueta, D.P.A. Director of the School of Public Policy and Administration Approved: __________________________________________________________ George H. Watson, Ph.D. Dean of the College of Arts and Science Approved: __________________________________________________________ Ann L. Ardis, Ph.D. Senior Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Education I certify that I have read this dissertation and that in my opinion it meets the academic and professional standard required by the University as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Signed: __________________________________________________________ John G. McNutt, Ph.D. Professor in charge of dissertation I certify that I have read this dissertation and that in my opinion it meets the academic and professional standard required by the University as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Signed: __________________________________________________________ Andrea Sarzynski, Ph.D. Member of dissertation committee I certify that I have read this dissertation and that in my opinion it meets the academic and professional standard required by the University as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Signed: __________________________________________________________ Jonathan B. Justice, Ph.D. Member of dissertation committee I certify that I have read this dissertation and that in my opinion it meets the academic and professional standard required by the University as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Signed: __________________________________________________________ Gary D. Bass, Ph.D. Member of dissertation committee ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to acknowledge several people who have been instrumental in my journey to complete this doctoral dissertation. First and foremost, I would like to thank my wife, Marjorie, who made it possible for me to pursue my doctoral degree. I could not have completed this dissertation without her love, support, patience, and sacrifice while I was immersed in the often all-consuming effort that left little time for our life together. I would also like to acknowledge the advice, support, and encouragement of my committee chair, Dr. John McNutt. Our many discussions, lunches, and debates were critical in challenging and guiding me. The insights that arose from his intellectual challenges are among the most rewarding outcomes of this journey. I also want to acknowledge the support and encouragement of my committee members, Dr. Andrea Sarzynski, Dr. Gary Bass, and Dr. Jonathan Justice. Their guidance helped keep my research grounded and directed. I would like to acknowledge the never-ending support of my fellow graduate student Dr. Katie Gifford, who took the time to read, edit, and comment on several versions of this dissertation. Her friendship was indispensable throughout this journey, and helped make this challenging effort much more enjoyable. Finally, I would also like to acknowledge the help of hundreds of members of environmental groups that completed the survey, tolerated my many inquiries, and provided insights about the data and its interpretation. I hope some of the insights from this study can be used to help them in their pursuits for a better environment. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................ xi LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................... xv ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................ xvi Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 1 Significance of Research .................................................................................. 10 Research Questions .......................................................................................... 14 2 REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE .................................................................. 15 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 15 Mainstream Social Movement Theories & Theoretical Perspectives .............. 17 Resource Mobilization Theory ................................................................... 18 Political Opportunity Structure Theory ...................................................... 20 Resource Dependency ................................................................................ 21 Evolving Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives ........................................... 22 Cultural Theories ........................................................................................ 22 Institutional Isomorphism ........................................................................... 22 New Social Movement Theories ................................................................ 24 Theories of New Media .............................................................................. 25 Social and Environmental Movements ............................................................. 26 Environmental Movements ........................................................................ 27 Movements and Interest Groups ................................................................. 29 Movements in the Digital Age ................................................................... 32 Environmental Groups ...................................................................................... 36 Development of Social Capital and Group Identity ................................... 39 Group Evolution & Development .............................................................. 41 Group Leadership ....................................................................................... 43 v Context for Environmental Groups and Movement Structure ......................... 44 3 RESEARCH METHODS ................................................................................. 49 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 49 Conceptual Framework .................................................................................... 50 Major Dimensions Influencing State Environmental Movements ............. 54 Specific Research Methods and Techniques for Analysis of the Structure of Environmental Movements in Small States ..................................................... 59 Qualitative Data and Analysis .................................................................... 65 Selection of States ............................................................................................ 67 Data and Information ........................................................................................ 71 Identification of the Sample of Environmental Groups ................................... 72 Internet Survey Design ............................................................................... 77 Secondary Data Acquisition ....................................................................... 78 Data Reduction to Identify Patterns of Tactics Used and Issues Addressed ............................................................................................. 81 Underlying Constructs of Variables for Issues Addressed ............. 81 Underlying Constructs for Variables of Tactics Utilized ............... 82 Summary of Variables Utilized for Various Analysis Approaches .................. 84 4 THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CONTEXTS OF FIVE SMALL NORTHEASTERN STATES ........................................................................... 90 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 90 Geography and Demographics ......................................................................... 91 Rural versus Urban Landscape ................................................................... 92 Populations Size & Density ........................................................................ 95 Economic Dimensions ................................................................................ 97 State Gross Domestic Product .............................................................. 98 Per Capita State Gross Domestic Product ............................................ 99 State Gross Domestic Product Industrial Contributions ..................... 101 Government Structures ................................................................................... 104 Legislative Context ......................................................................................... 106 vi Size of Legislature .................................................................................... 106 Level of Professionalism .......................................................................... 108 Legislative Compensation .................................................................