Roles of social capital, citizen science, and social media in enhancing collective response : the case of fisherfolks and Rayong oil spills in Thailand | |
| Author | Panupong Sriudom |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.DS-23-03 |
| Subject(s) | Oil spills--Thailand--Rayong Oil pollution of the sea--Thailand--Rayong |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development and Sustainability |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Marine oil spills cause various types of disruptions and damages to the affected environment, economy, health, and population. Albeit studied in different disciplines and locations, collective action among local populations in response to oil spill incidents was largely understudied, especially in the context of (1) lacking or insufficient government support and (2) the specific intersection between social capital, citizen science, and social media in oil spill response. This mixed-method thesis study aimed to address this gap by investigating the collective response process and results of local Rayong fisherfolks and the influencing factors of social capital, citizen science, and social media within the process. In-depth interviews were conducted with the fisherfolks and thematically analyzed to assess the local collective response formulation and results. A questionnaire survey was then conducted with 312 fisherfolks and statistically analyzed with Tobit multiple regression to quantify roles of different factors as well as identify specific interactions between factors. Interview themes found that Rayong fisherfolks were socially close people who were highly distrustful of the oil industry, government, and scientific personnel. They had collectively responded to oil spills by collecting, aggregating, and sharing oil spill data at individual, group, and inter-group levels. Fisherfolk groups, communities, and organizations with similar views and motivations would organize themselves under networks and alliances to better coordinate collective actions. Collected data were then used in different subsequent actions according to each network’s motivations, such as in lawsuits and awareness-raising activities. However, collected data was rarely sent to researchers and/or research sites unless suggested or handled by trusted sources. Social media was used in combination with traditional communication to facilitate information exchange and action coordination between group members and different groups. Fisherfolks were also dissatisfied with the current oil spill prevention regulations, monitoring, and information transparency (or lack thereof), as well as oil spill compensation schemes in terms of meaningful participation, valuation, and access. Analysis of the survey results indicated that social capital, citizen science, and social media were statistically significant (p-value < 0.10) in positively affecting collective actions in specific dimensions and interactions: (1) citizen science was the most influential positive factor affecting the process; (2) social media was the most influential positive factor affecting the results; (3) interaction between social capital and citizen science had a tradeoff but overall positive effect on the process; (4) interaction between citizen science and social media had a synergistic and positive effect on the process; and (5) interaction between social capital and citizen science had a crossover positive effect on the results. In conclusion, the government needs to revisit existing policies regarding oil spill prevention and compensation; rebuild trust between fisherfolks and the distrusted groups; ensure meaningful inclusion and participation of different types of fisherfolks in planning changes; and support existing ways fisherfolks respond to oil spills (e.g., facilitating data collection and social media access/use/coverage). |
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Development and Sustainability (DS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Tsusaka, Takuji W.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko;Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Her Majesty the Queen Scholarship;Royal Thai Government; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023 |