Using critical race theory to minimize environmental conflict when socio-economic status and race/ethnicity intersect

This essay blends critical race theory with conflict management to examine ways that environmental justice, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability can overlap to inspire organizations to do the right thing with regard to environmental issues among communities of lower socio economic status who are people of color. At least three main theory streams are blended to sharpen focus on how organizations must work harder to avoid environmental racism given that mainstream media routinely fail to give voice to the least powerful communities in the U.S. First, the historical and cultural contexts of social identity intersectionalities must be appreciated as part of critical race theory application. Second, the role of communication in encouraging organizations to collaborate with external stakeholder communities in order to minimize conflict cannot be underestimated. Finally, the activist dimension of critical race theory can inspire organizations to implement ongoing programs that give voice to marginalized citizens and hold those organizations accountable to corporate social responsibility and sustainability promises.