How do oil and gas workers cope with a changing economy? Economic vulnerability among rural Canadians in the oil and gas sector

Abstract

Significant changes in the energy sector are needed to remedy the growing threat of climate change. Oil and gas workers are a critical social actor in this problem; however, further research is needed to understand the nuances of their perspectives on transitioning to renewable energies. We generated qualitative data with oil and gas workers in a Canadian oil capital to explore their perceptions about economic diversity and answer the research question: how do oil and gas workers cope with a changing economy? Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and a critical posthumanism theoretical orientation. We found two interrelated themes that answer our research question and are pertinent to a key concept in critical posthumanism (‘becoming’): insulating from economic volatility and departing from inter-generational identities. A concern for children and families' futures was evident in both themes. Our findings suggest a need to overcome polarization associated with the fossil fuel industry and instead, focus on local economic support for oil and gas workers who foresee a departure from the industry that is deeply entangled with their communities.