Not In My Back Yard
Hey Reader,
Have you heard about the term “Not In My BackYard” aka NIMBY?
What is it?
This paper challenges the widely used concept of "NIMBY" (Not In My Back Yard) as an explanation for public opposition to local developments, particularly energy projects.
It argues that NIMBY is a simplistic and often pejorative term that fails to capture the complex social and psychological processes underlying local resistance to change.
Key Arguments:
NIMBY oversimplifies local opposition: The paper criticizes the NIMBY concept for being too focused on self-interest and neglecting the genuine concerns and values of local communities. It argues that opposition is often rooted in deeper emotional attachments to place and place identity, rather than simply wanting to avoid inconveniences.
Place attachment and place identity are crucial: The paper draws on environmental and social psychological theories to highlight the significance of place attachment (emotional bond with a location) and place identity (how a place contributes to one's sense of self) in shaping people's responses to change.
Place disruption triggers defensive responses: When new developments threaten pre-existing emotional attachments to a place or disrupt residents' sense of identity, they can trigger a range of defensive responses, including anxiety, grief, and a sense of displacement.
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What do I need to know:
The paper outlines a multi-stage, multi-level framework to explain place-protective action:
Becoming aware: Individuals become aware of proposed changes through media reports, community discussions, and actions taken by developers.
Interpreting: People interpret the meaning and implications of the change, drawing on existing knowledge, social representations, and place-specific values.
Evaluating: Individuals evaluate the change as either a threat or an opportunity, depending on their interpretation and attachment to the place.
Source:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/casp.1004