Anti-nuclear weapons activism in the United States and Great Britain: a comparative analysis

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6414668

Sussman, G

This study is a response to the lacuna in empirical research into political activism and the nuclear issue and seeks to ascertain the social and value characteristics, political attitudes, and political behavior of activists in the United States and Great Britain. Consideration is also given to gender differences in light of evidence of an emerging gender gap in these two countries. The study investigates the common forces cited in two sets of literature - post-industrialism and anti-nuclear weapons movements - which provide a framework for analysis. Survey research data is employed to assess cross-national similarities and differences. The findings obtained indicate that while American and British activists exhibit common social and value characteristics, British activists appear more integrated in their political opposition to nuclear weapons compared with their American counterparts. Survey results indicate that the political-action repertoire of these activists is quite diverse, suggesting a new style of politics in advanced industrial democracies. Gender-based analysis reveals two important findings. First, activist American men differ significantly from the other three social groups in their attitudes towards nuclear weapons. Second, activist women in both national settings participate at a level equal to or exceeding that of activist men.

• Research Organization: Washington State Univ., Pullman (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6414668
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ATTITUDES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EUROPE
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
PUBLIC OPINION
SURVEYS
UNITED KINGDOM
USA
WEAPONS
WESTERN EUROPE