Defense Date
5-28-2024
Graduation Date
Summer 8-10-2024
Availability
Immediate Access
Submission Type
dissertation
Degree Name
PhD
Department
Communication and Rhetorical Studies
School
McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
Committee Chair
Erik Garrett
Committee Member
Janie Harden Fritz
Committee Member
Anthony Wachs
Keywords
water insecurity, water justice, environmental racism, environmental justice
Abstract
This dissertation argues that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of environmental justice. It critiques existing communication and rhetorical scholarship for overlooking the environmental dimensions of water access and justice. This gap hinders progress toward equity for marginalized communities disproportionately burdened by water insecurity.
This project proposes a communication approach that prioritizes culturally relevant strategies to empower these communities in advocating for their environmental rights and health needs. By bridging the communication and environmental justice fields, this project equips communities with the tools to demand fair solutions. It ultimately calls for a transformative shift in communication, fostering a holistic framework that integrates environmental considerations and empowers communities to achieve environmental justice and health equity.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Richards, C. R. (2024). Rhetorical Tapestries of Water Injustice: The Framing of (In)Access And (In)Justice in The Struggle for Water Security in The United States (Doctoral dissertation, Duquesne University). Retrieved from https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/2243