Toshiaki Yoshida (Northeastern University), “Entangled Fishermen: Fishing Industry and The Evolution of Anti-nuclear Power Plant Movements in Japan”

U.S. ET: April 25 (Thursday), 8 – 9 PM

JST: April 26 (Friday), 9 – 10 AM

Zoom Registration: Link

Paper is available here.

Author: Toshiaki Yoshida (Northeastern University)

Abstract:
While Japan has the most advanced nuclear power plant program in the world, residents have long resisted attempts to site nuclear facilities in their backyards. This article analyzes conditions that have impacted the outcome of these movements since 1960. The analysis of a dataset spanning 32 towns’ movements shows that the existence of capital-intensive fishing was detrimental to movement success. This happened because (1) capital-intensive fishing breeds a dominant boss, thereby inducing a vertical decision-making process in social movement organizations of key stakeholders; (2) resulting movements led by a single, salient leader create identifiable targets for pro-nuclear groups; and (3) offshore fishing is susceptible to changes in the external environment, including the Oil Shock in the 1970s. This study allows us to better understand the relationship between the strength of social movements and the organizational character of key stakeholders.

Presenter: Toshiaki Yoshida (Northeastern University)

Discussant: Phillip Y. Lipscy (University of Toronto) and Pinar Temocin (University of Tokyo)

Chair: Saori Katada (University of Southern California)