Participating in the Streets: Social Conflict and its Influence on Policy Planning, a Comparative Study of Gas Extraction in Groningen and Wind Farm Development in Drenthe (2000-2019)

Abstract

In this thesis the causes for the success of social conflict, as form of self-organised participation, in influencing policy and planning is analysed. In Groningen people struggle with the consequences of the extraction of fossil fuels, as gas induced earthquakes frequently hit the province. In Drenthe the need for more sustainable energy is perceived as a threat to the landscape and community, as large wind farm projects are developed in the region. In this thesis a comparison of the movements that emerged in response to the policies attached to these cases is made. A combination of success factors is formulated: if the public opinion is favourable towards a movement, it contributes to the support the movement enjoys, with enough support the movement is able to expand its actions, these actions should include legal procedures, if ruled in favour of the movement, success is inevitable.