Social Networks and Environmentalism: Structural Embeddedness and Ongoing Participation in the Canadian Environmental Movement

“Common sense” arguments for participation in movements like the environmental movement often refer to grievances, or beliefs, as key factors that give rise to participation. However, structural analysts have demonstrated that neither discontent nor ideology are sufficient conditions to explain social movement participation. Rather, while discontent and beliefs might help to define those who might potentially be mobilized, individuals need to be connected to other movement participants in order to become active. We explore the relationship between social network ties and participation in the Canadian environmental movement. Data are from a self administered questionnaire, collected from nation-wide probability sample of environmental organization members. We find that ongoing participation is positively associated with ties to individuals in a range of environmental organizations. This effect is net of positive effects for identification with the movement, and the respondent’s NEP score, on participation. Past participation is the strongest statistical predictor of network embeddedness. Thus we argue that both “social selection” and “social influence” effects are in play. People develop ties through their participation, and are more likely to participate in new activities because of their ties. We further examine the mechanisms underlying these patterns, and discuss practical implications of these insights.