The role of emotions in the defense of the environment: A sociological approach

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide knowledge regarding the role of emotions in the defense of the environment through the analysis of two socio-environmental conflicts in two of the largest urban areas in Mexico: Mexico City and the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara. The comparison of two case studies allows us to highlight some common patterns that emerged from the analysis of the qualitative data collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups between 2015 and 2018. Based on literature on social movements and emotions, I will show how place attachments, which are linked with biospheric values, when interacting with affective loyalties and moral emotion, allow to undertand what makes people to defend the environment.