What difference does it make? Exploring the transformative potential of everyday climate crisis activism by children and youth. Issue 3 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Trott, Carlie D.
• Is Part Of: Children's geographies. Volume 19:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 300
• Page End: 308
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: Activism -- agency -- arts -- children -- climate change -- participatory action; Geographical perception in children -- Periodicals; 305.23
• DOI: 10.1080/14733285.2020.1870663
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-3285

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Given the enormity of the climate crisis, the transformative potential of 'everyday' activism is often questioned. In this theoretical discussion, I explore the real-world significance of everyday activism by children and youth. First, I emphasize the need for top-down policy change as well as bottom-up cultural shifts. Next, I describe the significance of young people's everyday activism through the lens of countercultures, while highlighting agency-limiting practices common in present-day formal educational settings. Lastly, I call for participatory and arts-based approaches in facilitating youths' everyday climate crisis activism, noting its potential micro-level benefits and its relationship to macro-level social change.