A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
The radicalisation of rural resistance: How hunting counterpublics in the Nordic countries contribute to illegal hunting
Abstract Populist hunting movements have risen in recent years to safeguard rural interests against nature conservation. In extreme cases this movement has been accompanied by the illegal hunting of protected species. Using Sweden and Finland as a case study, the article elucidates how the perceived exclusion of hunters in the public debate on conservation mobilised this subculture toward resistance against regulatory agencies. Establishment of an alternative discursive platform comprising several ruralities – counterpublic in Negt and Kluge's original term – allowed hunters to publicise oppositional needs, interests and rationalities in the debate, and was a key juncture in their radicalisation trajectory. Finally the paper argues that failure to grant recognition to the counterpublic radicalised some individuals beyond counterpublic by engaging in illegal hunting. This practice is marked by the termination of political debate with society and represents a danger to political legitimacy.
Highlights Marginalisation of the rural is experienced by hunters under EU conservation policy. We document the radicalisation of the hunting subculture in Finland and Sweden. Hunters establish a counterpublic of marginalised ruralisms to acquire recognition. Lacking recognition gives rise to illegal hunting as resistance against the regime.
The radicalisation of rural resistance: How hunting counterpublics in the Nordic countries contribute to illegal hunting
Abstract Populist hunting movements have risen in recent years to safeguard rural interests against nature conservation. In extreme cases this movement has been accompanied by the illegal hunting of protected species. Using Sweden and Finland as a case study, the article elucidates how the perceived exclusion of hunters in the public debate on conservation mobilised this subculture toward resistance against regulatory agencies. Establishment of an alternative discursive platform comprising several ruralities – counterpublic in Negt and Kluge's original term – allowed hunters to publicise oppositional needs, interests and rationalities in the debate, and was a key juncture in their radicalisation trajectory. Finally the paper argues that failure to grant recognition to the counterpublic radicalised some individuals beyond counterpublic by engaging in illegal hunting. This practice is marked by the termination of political debate with society and represents a danger to political legitimacy.
Highlights Marginalisation of the rural is experienced by hunters under EU conservation policy. We document the radicalisation of the hunting subculture in Finland and Sweden. Hunters establish a counterpublic of marginalised ruralisms to acquire recognition. Lacking recognition gives rise to illegal hunting as resistance against the regime.
The radicalisation of rural resistance: How hunting counterpublics in the Nordic countries contribute to illegal hunting
von Essen, Erica (author) / Hansen, Hans Peter (author) / Nordström Källström, Helena (author) / Peterson, M. Nils (author) / Peterson, Tarla R. (author)
Journal of Rural Studies ; 39 ; 199-209
2014-01-01
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English