Understanding contemporary networks of environmental and social change: complex assemblages within Canada’s ‘food movement’

Abstract

Emerging forms of social mobilisation are explored, using food initiatives in Canada as an example. Food networks are particularly interesting as a case study: they have holistic goals that include both environmental and social concerns, the number and scope of food initiatives have rapidly increased, and there has recently been a high level of public engagement around food issues. Networks among alternative food initiatives (AFIs) are investigated using a survey and in-depth interviews. Food movement networks exhibit some elements of collective identity, but network members have diverse goals, projects, and tactics that do not always align into a coherent political program. Social network theory and the analytic of complex assemblages are employed to help understand these results. Understanding how these food networks function provides insight not just into food networks, but also more generally into the study and practice of social mobilisation around environmental issues.

Keywords:

• complex assemblages
• alternative food initiatives
• social movement networks
• food movement

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. In addition, we gratefully acknowledge support from Marney Isaac and Evan Castel on the initial data analysis, the constructive criticism provided by Josée Johnston on an earlier draft, and three anonymous reviewers who provided important suggestions.