Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Climate and environmental issues are vital global challenges, and grassroots movements are crucial in advocating for change and sustainable solutions. Grassroots movements can raise public awareness and create political pressure for change. Mothers and fathers often participate in these movements as solidarity groups, and as youth activism is often in the spotlight, it often leads to an unrecognised and underexplored understanding of the parental aspect of environmental activism. Therefore, this thesis examines Rebellmammorna, a Swedish mother-led climate movement, through the lens of ecofeminism, exploring the role of horizontal relationships and motherhood in environmental activism. Through the use of semi-structured interviews with nine Rebellmammor, the findings have presented the ways climate activists such as the Rebellmammorna find a source of motivation in their frustration with the current political system, their local and/or national collective engagement, and to consider the bigger and longer picture, namely that it is about care for the whole nature for the sake of children and future generations. This further builds on the ecofeminist view on the holistic worldview. It showcases the importance of community-driven advocacy and a mobilisation that is easily accessible to everyone regardless of their knowledge or experience. In this case, the horizontal relationships as well as the characteristics of motherhood, such as care and nurture for all living, are a relatable entry point for many of its members, and appealing to many outside the movement. The findings have also shown that RM's peer-based relationships create an inclusive environment that allows members to balance activism with emotional resilience. However, these horizontal relationships of Rebellmammorna also come with their challenges, and a closer analysis of RM provides the opportunity for further discussions about alternative activist approaches. At the same time, it also shows the importance of compassion, accessibility and long-term engagement in environmental activism.