Oppositions locales à des projets d'équipement

Abstract

For the last ten years, local opposition to large-scale development and expenditure projects has been increasing in France as in most countries and expanding to an extent that suggests a phenomenon of considerable social significance. On the basis of a number of case studies, this paper seeks to answer four questions : Who are the opponents ? What are the psychological and sociological reasons for opposition ? How is it organized ? Over and above the immédiate aim of each conflict, is it possible to discern more fundamental social objectives ? These analyses show in particular that, behind the defence of the environment and the quality of life, thèse movements encompass extremely heterogeneous social groups, motives, objectives and strategies. Amongst such diversity, the author attaches particular importance to what he defines as the « militant element », which derives mainly from the middle classes, which sees these conflicts as an opportunity to express ils rejection of a certain type of industrialisation and its aspirations to a more rational society.