Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor

Name: Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor
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SKU: 9780674072343
Price: 52.99 NZD
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By Rob Nixon

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Summary

Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor explores the gradual and often invisible destruction caused by environmental disasters such as climate change, toxic drift, and deforestation. Rob Nixon introduces the concept of "slow violence" to describe the cumulative, unseen damage that disproportionately affects vulnerable and impoverished communities, especially in the global South. By examining a range of environmental justice activists and writers, Nixon reveals the limitations of traditional environmental discourse and highlights strategies to bring urgent ecological issues to public attention.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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This book is ideal for readers interested in environmental studies, social justice, postcolonial theory, and contemporary activism. It suits academics, students, and engaged readers seeking a deeper understanding of ecological violence and its socio-political implications globally.

“Slow violence” from climate change, toxic drift, deforestation, oil spills, and the environmental aftermath of war occurs gradually and often invisibly. Rob Nixon focuses on the inattention we have paid to the lethality of many environmental crises, in contrast with the sensational, spectacle-driven messaging that impels public activism today.

Slow Violence is inspiring, innovative, and passionate. Nixon forces us to confront some of the most urgent issues facing the continued existence of humans on the planet. He re-energizes environmental literature, infusing the field with the transnational concerns of world literature, and creatively reinvigorates post-colonial studies. -- Hazel Carby, Yale University Nixon jumpstarts a conversation between the fields of eco-criticism and postcolonial studies, and the outcome is brilliant. A landmark achievement, directed with great care, lucidity, and no end of foresight. -- Andrew Ross, New York University How can we dramatize slow violence? This beautifully written book shows how writers have conjured the invisible environmental calamities that have come to be the hallmark of modern times. The damage in question is out of sight--and out of mind for the global elites who command center stage. Nixon's evocative prose redoubles the charge of the writers who fight to show us the central challenge of our era. Everyone should read this book. -- Anna Tsing, author of Friction: An Ethnography of Global Connection

Description

The violence wrought by climate change, toxic drift, deforestation, oil spills, and the environmental aftermath of war takes place gradually and often invisibly. Using the innovative concept of slow violence to describe these threats, Rob Nixon focuses on the inattention we have paid to the attritional lethality of many environmental crises, in contrast with the sensational, spectacle-driven messaging that impels public activism today.

Slow violence, because it is so readily ignored by a hard-charging capitalism, exacerbates the vulnerability of ecosystems and of people who are poor, disempowered, and often involuntarily displaced. It fuels social conflicts that arise from desperation as life-sustaining conditions erode.

In a book of extraordinary scope, Nixon examines a cluster of writer-activists affiliated with the environmentalism of the poor in the global South. By approaching environmental justice literature from this transnational perspective, he exposes the limitations of the national and local frames that dominate environmental writing. By skillfully illuminating the strategies these writer-activists deploy to give dramatic visibility to environmental emergencies, Nixon invites his readers to engage with some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Slow Violence is heralded for widening the scope of ecocriticism by integrating postcolonial perspectives. Critics praise Nixon's clear and rigorous writing style, which combines scholarly insight with humanistic concern. The book is seen as a foundational text for environmental humanities, merging ecologism, anti-imperialism, and anti-capitalism through a novel alliance of environmental and postcolonial studies. It is considered essential reading for understanding environmental justice and activism.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780674072343

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 March 2013

Country: United States

Imprint: Harvard University Press

Illustration: 5 halftones

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 368

Collections

Arts & Culture Education & Reference Non-Fiction Rob Nixon Science & Nature

About the Author

Rob Nixon is Thomas A. and Currie C. Barron Family Professor in Humanities and the Environment at Princeton University. A frequent contributor to the New York Times, he is the author of Dreambirds: The Natural History of a Fantasy.