Drudgingly the squirrel feeds itself- Performatively collective action influences oppressive norms: Mixed-Method Study on the Subversion of Oppressive Norms in Activist and Policy Discourse

Abstract: Like a squirrel that slowly collects nuts for the winter, this thesis emphasizes the importance of small acts in the collective struggle for a just world. Currently, oppressive norms confine certain ways of being. Therefore, this feminist study addresses means to counteract these norms by analyzing activist discourse in ten environmental conflicts regarding food. Furthermore, I statistically examine the influence of activist discourse on the subversion of oppressive norms in policy discourse. Seemingly small acts of activists are centered in the analysis, since they performatively reinforce and challenge oppressive norms. Focusing on neoliberalism, the results of the analysis underline that not the norm itself is central but its performative presentation. Compared to previous literature, that categorized employing neoliberal discourse as supporting oppressive norms, these results provide a new perspective. While sampling limitations restrict the quantitative analysis correlating activist and policy discourse, the study exceeds boundaries between quantitative methods and discourse analysis. Moreover, with the combination of concepts from discursive psychology and ecofeminist theory I offer two frameworks for the empirical application of Butler's account of performativity. Thus, the study itself aims to take a small step towards a just world by creating knowledge that enhances theoretical and methodological research possibilities.