A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Climate Change, Civil Disobedience, and Pepper Spray: An Analysis of the Nomos within Elokapina’s Hätäjarrutus Demonstration; 
Authors: Vuorinen, Joona
Publisher: Suomen Uskontotieteellinen Seura
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Temenos
Volume: 62
Issue: 1
First page : 31
Last page: 53
ISSN: 0497-1817
eISSN: 2342-7256
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33356/temenos.152343
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.33356/temenos.152343
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/526746417
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
This article examines the different framings of Elokapina’s Hätäjarrutus demonstration in October 2020, at which nonviolent civil disobedience activists were pepper sprayed. The research questions focus on the justifications of the activists’ nonviolent civil disobedience (NVCD) and the police’s use of force, as well as the media’s role in representing the events. The source material consists of news articles and material by Elokapina and the police, which are analysed using framing analysis. Theories of nomos and liminality are applied to explain the actions of both parties. Elokapina is interpreted as challenging the nomos, or the shared societal order, perceived as toxic and exacerbating climate change. The police interpret this demonstrative act as liminal, or beyond the normal societal order, and resort to unusual methods to control the situation. Media framing influences how the event is understood. While most articles are neutrally descriptive, both parties’ narratives are also presented, offering readers the tools to draw conclusions about which party to sympathize with. Applying theories of the study of religions deepens the understanding of climate actions and the sentiments they generate. This article highlights the role the study of religions can play in interpreting the most urgent questions of our time.
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