[en] The opposition to nuclear energy by significant parts of the population can be explained by a number of different and interdependent factors: psychological factors, communication and information problems, and different value orientations. The relevant approaches attributing the opposition to nuclear energy to such factors are described, followed by a more detailed analysis of social-structural developments in order to assess the political potential of the opposition movement. The analysis suggests that even in future the opposition to nuclear energy will remain a force which has to be reckoned with in politics. (orig.)