Sozio-ökologische Konflikte und die Rolle der Infrastruktur

Eine konfliktsoziologische Fallanalyse zur Wasserverteilung an einer Talsperre in Thüringen

Abstract

This article examines the role of infrastructure in socio-ecological conflicts, using the example of water distribution at a dam in Thuringia. The focus is on the question of how infrastructure not only enables scope for action from a technical perspective, but also, as active elements, limits or stabilises conflict dynamics. To this end, we use Lorenz's typology of socio-ecological conflicts as a sensitizing concept, which distinguishes between social and ecological conflict dimensions and enables a nuanced analysis of conflicts over interests, justice and values. The article combines perspectives from infrastructure and conflict research: water infrastructures are neither neutral supply systems nor purely technical constructs, but play an active role. The example of the dam highlights conflicts over resource use, access rights and the organisation of responsibility, which are situated at the intersection of the climate crisis, competition for resources and sustainable development. Finally, the article offers insights into how infrastructure fits into processes of social transformation and raises awareness of its political, social and environmental dimensions.