Backyards, NIMBYs, and Incinerator Sitings: Implications for Social Movement Theory

Abstract

Arguing for the usefulness of an analytic distinction between equity and technology movements, this paper examines two siting disputes involving modern incinerators and asks why one was eventually built and the other defeated. Relevant variables for the analysis are identified from the contemporary social movement literature and a special industry report. After an initial focus on surveys of “backyard” residents and “NIMBYs” at the two proposed sites, an explanation of the different outcomes is proposed. Additional micro-, meso-, and macrolevel variables are discussed, suggesting that technology movements are especially influenced by an interaction of factors which figure less prominently in equity movements.