Socio-environmental conflicts as social cohesion thermometers: a case study

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between social cohesion and Latin American socio-environmental conflicts. A case study was carried out about the largest socio-environmental conflict in El Bolsón, Patagonia Argentina, where part of the population has been rejecting a real estate development project on Perito Moreno Mountain, a protected area which is the headwater basin. By means of a theory triangulation, the representations and practices of the parties involved were investigated, through document analysis (press media, technical reports from the companies, and government organizations involved), in-depth interviews with key informants, and participant observation. In conclusion, this socio-environmental conflict acted as a thermometer to measure social cohesion: on the one hand, exposing its weaknesses at the level of the community as a whole, and on the other hand, uncovering its strengths in the group that rejects this project.