Class, political participation, and relational bonds in the Australian school strike for climate movement

<p dir="ltr">This research project explores young people's experiences of their participation in the School Strike for Climate movement in Newcastle NSW and Melbourne Victoria, Australia.</p><p dir="ltr">After reviewing youth studies, social movement and political participation literature this thesis extensively utilises the theoretical work of Pierre Bourdieu to examine relational bonds between movement actors in the School Strike movement. Using observational data obtained via participation in four School Strike actions and 23 interviews with participants, this research highlights the social positions of young environmental activists and finds a distinctly middle-classed cohort. Endowed with cultural capital, project participants overwhelmingly attend university, identify strongly with environmental values and see themselves and their movement(s) as a cause for bettering the natural world through a variety of practices.</p><p dir="ltr">Coupled with their environmentalist identities, these young people are reflexive, hopeful, politically socialised and strive consistently to achieve a progressive Australian polity. The research subjects of this study deliberately employ a wide plurality of activist tools to assist in their political change making. This thesis concentrates upon everyday activities that are independent of formal structures of democratic liberalism such as elections but are no less targeted to bring about political change. School Strikers are not politically radical, they exemplify a democratic disposition of engaged, inspired, hopeful young people steeped in the intergenerationally learned values of their childhood homes.</p><p dir="ltr">Research subjects are strongly normative and exhibit exemplary politically participatory actions. Yet politicians and the media commentariat regularly respond to their social demands in a jaded and cynical manner that disparages young people's appeals to politicians to address the unfolding existential climate crisis. In response, School Strikers increase their efforts to be recognised as legitimate political actors and 'expert' middle-class citizens struggling to get political leaders to at least respond appropriately to a dangerously heating world.</p>