PhD Oral Exam - Julia Ginsburg, Individualized Program

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation explored youth engagement in climate collectives and how these groups affected participants’ lives, focusing on young people 13–18 years of age in the United States and Canada. Due to people’s concern for the escalating climate crisis, the study examined the following central research question: How do climate-oriented groups led by young people approach climate organizing, and how do the individuals who make up the groups perceive their participation in the movement? The research delved into the intricacies of youth-led climate work through 30 semi-structured interviews, weekly participant observation, and two focus groups. Participants were members of groups including Extinction Rebellion Youth, Sunrise Movement, Sustainabiliteens, and school-based collectives. Thematically analyzed results are presented in three categories: motivations, group processes, and impacts on youth. Motivations ranged from family and upbringing to a compelling sense of urgency around the climate emergency and a heightened awareness of the global movement. Group processes that participants discussed highlighted the diversity in advocacy approaches, emphasizing planning and communication, leadership styles, and outreach. The impacts of climate activism on youth encompassed nuanced emotions, navigating the challenges inherent in being a young person, perceptions of success, and effects on adolescent identity development. In the discussion section, I propose a frame of reference for comprehending young people’s contemporary experiences of climate organizing in the United States and Canada, centering concepts of generativity and meaning-making. This research contributes valuable insights into the effects of climate organizing on young people, stressing the importance of amplifying youth voices in the climate movement and adults’ obligation to provide space for and support these collectives. It underscores the need for educational, civic, and policy frameworks to center young people’s perspectives and empower youth participation in climate-related decision-making processes.