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Big Energy, Environmental Crimes, and Sustainability: An Analysis of How Corporations Frame Environmental Issues amid Criminal Prosecutions

Ream, Victoria R.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1492768049963644

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, Sociology (Arts and Sciences).
This thesis examines the two top greenhouse gas emitters in the United States, Duke Energy and American Electric Power. Social constructionism, framing, greenwashing, state-corporate crime framework, and techniques of neutralization theories are used to understand the manner in which these corporations construct claims about sustainable business practices, criminality, and the political climate. This research uses qualitative content analysis methods to explore the claims-making of these corporations, specifically in regards to the global issue of man-made climate change. I argue that Duke Energy and American Electric Power mislead consumers, investors, and the general public; they construct an appearance of being a proactive entity that values sustainability, compliance, and efficiency. In truth, both have multiple civil and criminal cases and millions of dollars in fines and violations due to violations of environmental regulatory laws; and many of the changes made to their business practices are only to meet minimum standards of federal law. They also have a large influence within the politics, as exemplified with the polluter-industrial complex. Further, this research discusses the importance of holding corporations responsible for the harms produced, which affect ecosystems, animals, and society.
Stephen Scanlan (Committee Chair)
108 p.
Sociology
Sustainability; Corporate Social Responsibility; Greenwashing; Social Constructionism; State-Corporate Crime; Techniques of Neutralization; Criminality; Polluter-Industrial Complex; Environment

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ream, V. R. (2017). Big Energy, Environmental Crimes, and Sustainability: An Analysis of How Corporations Frame Environmental Issues amid Criminal Prosecutions [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1492768049963644

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ream, Victoria. Big Energy, Environmental Crimes, and Sustainability: An Analysis of How Corporations Frame Environmental Issues amid Criminal Prosecutions . 2017. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1492768049963644.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ream, Victoria. "Big Energy, Environmental Crimes, and Sustainability: An Analysis of How Corporations Frame Environmental Issues amid Criminal Prosecutions ." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1492768049963644

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1492768049963644
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© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.