New Scientist: Direct action works

Alex Milne

We now have scientific confirmation that sit-ins, rallies and boycotts are more likely to influence the government's environmental policy than schmoozing to politicians.

A study by American sociologist Jon Agnone, published in New Scientist on August 28, analysed the impact of the green movement in the US between 1960 and 1994. Agnone found that each protest raised the number of environmental bills passed by 2.2%. Neither lobbying politicians nor the state of public opinion made any difference.

The timing of these protests is also vital, with environmental legislation getting a 200% boost in congressional election years.

The study also found that protest groups lose their edge when they become part of the system, and their most effective weapon is disruption. "If you make a big enough disturbance then people have to recognise what you are doing", said Agnone.

Groups like Friends of the Earth and the Wilderness Society, which have an emphasis on forest blockades and city rallies, are therefore more likely to be effective than lobbying organisations such as the Australian Conservation Foundation.

From Green Left Weekly, September 15, 2004.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 598