Forcing the Spring: The Transformation of the American Environmental Movement

by Robert Gottlieb

Originally published in 1993, Forcing the Spring was quickly recognized as a seminal work in the field of environmental history. The book links the environmental movement that emerged in the 1960s to earlier movements that had not previously been defined as environmental. It was the first to consider the importance of race, ethnicity, class, and gender issues in the history and evolution of environmentalism.

This revised edition extends the groundbreaking history and analysis of Forcing the Spring into the present day. It updates the original with important new material that brings the book's themes and arguments into the 21st century, addressing topics such as: the controversy spawned by the original edition with regard to how environmentalism is, or should be, defined; new groups and movements that have formed in the past decade; change and development in the overall environmental movement from 1993 to 2004; the changing role of race, class, gender, and ethnicity in today's environmentalism; the impact of the 2004 presidential election; the emergence of "the next environmentalism."

Forcing the Spring, Revised Edition considers environmentalism as a contemporary movement focused on "where we live, work, and play," touching on such hot-button topics as globalization, food, immigration, and sprawl. The book also describes the need for a "next environmentalism" that can address current challenges, and considers the barriers and opportunities associated with this new, more expansive approach.

Forcing the Spring, Revised Edition is an important contribution for students and faculty in a wide variety of fields including history, sociology, political science, environmental studies, environmental history, and social movements. It also offers useful context and analysis for anyone concerned with environmental issues.

Genres: Environment, Nonfiction, History

448 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1993

About the author

Robert Gottlieb is Professor Emeritus of Urban and Environmental Policy and the Founder and Former Director of the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College. He is the author and co-author of fourteen books, including his most recent book, Care-Centered Politics: From the Home to the Planet. He is the editor of two MIT Press series, "Urban and Industrial Environments" and “Food, Health, and Environment” and the recipient of numerous prizes for his contributions to the fields of urban planning, environmental studies, environmental history, food studies, and urban policy, including the Carey McWilliams Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Studies Association. A long time environmental and social justice activist, Bob has been engaged in researching, writing, and participating in social movements for nearly 60 years.

Reviews

[Hana Vizcarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 2005 revised edition. An essential read for anyone working in environmental law, policy, advocacy, or organizing that provides an excellent overview of the history of various strains within the environmental "movement".

[Travis · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the history of environmental groups and the problems they have faced over the years. Alice Hamilton is a great new addition to the soldiers of the environmental movement and I think Gottlieb builds a really strong connection with other social activist history and highlights the parallels between them.

[Eric Zandona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gottlieb's primary contribution is his discussion on the exclusion of urban anti-pollution/toxic reformers have been left out of the broader history of US environmental movements.