The Political Economy of NIMBY

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NIMBY has been recognized by social scientists and planners as a complex social dilemma. This study aims to develop an integrated political-economic model of NIMBY, based on two key elements: existing theoretical insights and empirical data. The theoretical foundation includes a review of waste from the perspectives of Environmental and Ecological Economics, focusing on negative externalities and the implications of landfill treatment. Additionally, it examines economic theories related to social conflict. The empirical component consists of data from five case studies in Colombia, utilizing a multi-case study strategy that involved semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis, guided by Grounded Theory Methodology. The resulting NIMBY model outlines motives for opposition, distinguishing between soft and hard reasons, and explores processes like the emergence of the NIMBY Avant-Garde, community leaders' strategies, and their interactions with project proponents. An enhanced version of the model incorporates theoretical aspects, addressing the economic, technical, and ethical dimensions of landfills, as well as power asymmetries. This comprehensive approach sheds light on the dynamics of NIMBY phenomena and offers valuable insights for understanding and addressing community opposition to development projects.