Conflict Theory and the Environmental Racism Epidemic in the United States

Student Illustrator: Logan Kanne

Student Author: Margaret Duffy

Abstract: There is a disproportionate amount of pollution emitted in areas occupied by people of color and of lower income.  Representation and advocacy are often hampered by a lack of resources, infrastructure, and information.  The social conflict theory, which seeks to explain social constructs and hierarchy through the conflict between different groups, offers an explanation as to why people of color have been victims of environmental racism for over four hundred years in the United States. 

This is part of the 2021 Annual Poster Session, a collaboration between the Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Department and the Media Arts and Technologies Department, featuring work by social science and illustration students.