41

This paper defines a firm’s political responsibility as being in the service of maximising social and ecological ties. The aim here is to study economic models on the basis of the principles of an “eco-justice” underpinning companies’ political responsibility. This research examines the oil industry in Nigeria. Surveys carried out in the areas affected by oil production for over ten years offer empirical evidence of this non-ideal normative perspective. The dominant conception of CSR, as applied in the extractive industries, actually contributes to the deterioration of social ties, rather than mitigating the negative social effects of economic activity.