Sociology
Women, non-governmental organizations, and deforestation: A cross-national study
Document Type
Article
Abstract
There have been several cross-national studies published in the world polity theoretical tradition that find a strong correlation between nations with high levels of environmental nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and low levels of various forms of environmental degradation. However, these studies neglect the role that women's NGOs potentially play in this process. We seek to address this gap by conducting a cross-national study of the association between women's NGOs and deforestation. We examine this relationship because deforestation often translates into increased household labor, loss of income, and impaired health for women and, as a result, women's non-governmental organizations have become increasingly involved in dealing with these problems often by protecting forests. We use data from a sample of 61 nations for the period of 1990-2005. We find substantial support for world polity theory that both high levels of women's and environmental NGOs per capita are associated with lower rates of deforestation. We also find that high levels of debt service and structural adjustment are correlated with higher rates of forest loss. We conclude with a discussion of findings, policy implications, and possible future research directions. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008.
Publication Title
Population and Environment
Publication Date
11-12-2008
Volume
30
Issue
1-2
First Page
48
Last Page
72
ISSN
0199-0039
DOI
10.1007/s11111-008-0073-x
Keywords
cross-national, deforestation, non-governmental organizations, women
Repository Citation
Shandra, John M.; Shandra, Carrie L.; and London, Bruce, "Women, non-governmental organizations, and deforestation: A cross-national study" (2008). Sociology. 73.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_sociology/73