Anatomy of a Conflict: Identity, Knowledge, and Emotion in Old-Growth Forests

by Terre Satterfield

Anatomy of a Conflict explores the cultural aspects of the fierce dispute between activist loggers and environmentalists over the fate of Oregon’s temperate rain forest. Centred on the practice of old-growth logging and the survival of the northern spotted owl, the conflict has lead to the burning down of ranger stations, the spiking of trees, logging truck blockades, and countless demonstrations and arrests. Satterfield shows how the debate about the forest is, at its core, a debate about the cultural make-up of the Pacific Northwest. To talk about forests is to talk about culture, whether the discussion is about scientific explanations of conifer forests, activists’ grassroots status and their emotional attachment to land, or the implications of past people’s land use for future forest management. An engaging ethnographic study, this book emphasizes the historical roots and contemporary emergence of identity movements as a means for challenging cultural patterns. It makes a significant contribution to culture- and identity-driven theories of human action in the context of social movements and environmental studies.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Mamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Satterfield took an approach to environmental studies that I was not very familiar with beforehand, but seems to be a lot of what I'm interested in. Her approach to environmental conflicts and discussions (in this case, forest management in Oregon) is humanities-based and focuses on the values and identities of local communities sorting through the issues. As a cultural anthropologist, she researches all sides of the issue and evaluates the situation using a qualitative method--no calculations of monetary worth or putting price tags on nature and concepts that are impossible, in my opinion, to value by dollars. The book included interesting narratives that were entertaining to read and also valuable insights about various points concerning humans, society, and the environment. Very helpful for my research and fun to read!

[Ainslee]

Amazing book about the complexities involved in the old growth forest loggers and environmentalist debate. This book demonstrates that there is never a wrong or a right in situations, but more a world constructed around differing world views. It is only by understanding these complexities, recognising that there is no right or wrong, and by utilising frameworks designed by anthropologists to address policies such as these, that we will hopefully one day be able to resolve issues to the benefit of all concerned