People help the people: A critical discourse analysis of NGO activism against water privatisation in El Salvador

Abstract: This thesis concerns itself with the current state of water activism in El Salvador. For 20 years the topic has been a point of conflict for the nation, with both wins and losses for the water activists. The previous academic research into this consists of ethnographic studies. However, not much has been done to discuss this topic through discourse analysis, and so this is what has been done here. The lens of critical discourse analysis enlightens some of the challenges that the activists face, as well as the power relations behind them. Through three semi-structured interviews, the experiences of Salvadoran water activists are examined. The results from those interviews shine a light on the current state of the discourse they are a part of, as well as the discourse they are fighting against. There is still prevalent prosecution of activist NGOs and a lot of criticism and ridicule of activists from the government and its supporters. Despite this, the interviewees all expressed their reasons for continuing in their activism as majorly attributed to the solidarity they feel about it. Thus, it remains important to keep an eye on the fight for water in El Salvador, and to learn from their experiences how important it is to prioritise the environment.