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Learning through ICTs in social movements: a case study of the environmental justice movement in Scotland

Much is already known about the three main strands of this study: learning, information and communication technologies (ICTs) and social movements. On the other hand, very little is known about what happens when these three elements come together. Specifically, the research is concerned to identify how knowledge is constructed, generated, critiqued and exchanged through the use of ICTs in social movements, and to clarify how this sustains and develops the identities of ICT users as movement-activists and influences their actions. There is also an interest in the role of ICTs in attracting participation in the activities of the movement, and in assessing its influence on the degree and quality of people's engagement. The study focuses on the development of an environmental justice movement in Scotland which provides an opportunity to examine the process of learning in, from and for social action. The research involves two local case studies, urban and rural, and one national case study of Friends of the Earth Scotland. Qualitative research methods are used with a sample of active participants in the case studies. Additional data are generated through an online survey using Friends of the Earth Scotland's website.

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