25 Questions
Explain the concept of social construction as it relates to the understanding of nature and wilderness.
Social construction is the theory that any category, condition, or thing is understood to have certain characteristics because people agree that it does. In the context of nature and wilderness, social construction refers to how these concepts are constructed as separate from society, and how people's beliefs and practices shape how they understand and interact with the natural world.
What is the Thomas Theorem and how does it relate to the perception of reality?
The Thomas Theorem states that situations perceived as real are real in their consequences. It emphasizes that it matters less what something IS compared to what we THINK it is or AGREE that it is. This directly relates to the perception of reality as it highlights the impact of people's beliefs and perceptions on shaping their understanding and experiences of the world.
What is the significance of the phrase 'So You Say It’s “Natural”' in the context of environmental discourse?
The phrase 'So You Say It’s “Natural”' challenges the commonly accepted understanding of what is 'natural' and questions the social construction of nature. It prompts a critical examination of how the concept of 'natural' is defined and used in environmental discourse, highlighting the role of social constructs and perceptions in shaping our understanding of the natural world.
Discuss the differences in the common understanding of the words 'wilderness', 'jungle', and 'nature'.
In common understanding, 'wilderness' is often associated with untouched, remote, and pristine natural areas, while 'jungle' conveys dense, tropical, and exotic environments. 'Nature' is a broader term encompassing all natural elements and ecosystems. These distinctions reflect how social construction influences the perception and categorization of different natural environments.
What is the main argument made by social constructivists about science?
The main argument is that the practices and findings of science are socially constructed, and that humans in a social context decide what to observe and what our observations mean.
What is the concern raised about the formal establishment of science?
The concern is about who decides what counts as 'good science' and what topics interest the scientific community and the agencies that fund them.
What is the threat of relativism in the context of science?
The threat of relativism is the theory that all beliefs, truths, and facts are socially constructed in a particular social context, raising questions about what information can be believed or acted upon.
What is the Constructivist Paradox and how does it relate to objectivism?
The Constructivist Paradox is that relativism relies on objectivism to prove its point, meaning that science is used to test underlying assumptions about knowledge but objectivism is not fully trusted.
What is the alternative concept to constructivism in the material world, and how does it differ?
The alternative concept is co-production, which argues that humans and nonhumans produce and change one another through interactions, acknowledging that there are things and systems that operate outside of human behavior.
How do social constructivists challenge the idea of science as an objective method for discovering the truth of nature?
They challenge it by showing that the practices and findings of science are socially constructed, and that humans in a social context decide what to observe and what our observations mean.
What is the concern raised about the topics that interest the scientific community and the agencies that fund them?
The concern is about who decides what topics interest the scientific community and the agencies that fund them, and what counts as 'good science'.
What is the main concern about the use of science to challenge ideas of desertification?
The main concern is about who benefits from this challenge and change in knowledge, as science is used to test underlying assumptions about knowledge but objectivism is not fully trusted.
What are the multiple meanings of the concept of nature?
Essential quality, inherent force, and the material world itself.
How does exploration of nature often affect the relationship between humans and nature?
It often separates humans from nature.
On what does the understanding of natural properties depend?
Social context.
What social factors shape our understanding of natural properties?
Cultural and economic factors.
Give an example of a concept socially constructed as natural with significant historical implications.
Race.
What were the implications of the social construction of 'New World' natures?
Displacement of indigenous societies by Europeans.
What shapes our negotiation of social reality in relation to nature?
Discourse, including narrative, concept, ideology, and signifying practices.
What supports environmental discourse, and what may happen to its origins over time?
Supported by powerful institutions and people; its origins may be forgotten over time.
How has the discourse of North African desertification been influenced?
By conflicting evidence and interests.
What cultural concept has led to displacement and violence, and to which cultures is it specific?
The concept of wilderness; specific to Western European cultures.
What raises questions about the role of science in shaping our understanding of the natural world?
The social construction of nature.
What is a goal of social constructivists in relation to destabilizing accepted discourses?
Destabilizing accepted power dynamics.
What are the significant implications of the social construction of nature?
For environmental resource control and societal power dynamics.
Study Notes
Understanding the Social Construction of Nature
- The concept of nature has multiple meanings, including essential quality, inherent force, and the material world itself.
- Exploration of nature often separates humans from it, and understanding its properties depends on social context.
- Social context, including cultural and economic factors, shapes our understanding of natural properties.
- Concepts such as race have been socially constructed as natural, with significant historical implications.
- The social construction of "New World" natures led to the displacement of indigenous societies by Europeans.
- Discourse, including narrative, concept, ideology, and signifying practices, shapes our negotiation of social reality.
- Environmental discourse is supported by powerful institutions and people, and its origins may be forgotten over time.
- The discourse of North African desertification has been influenced by conflicting evidence and interests.
- The concept of wilderness is specific to Western European cultures and has led to displacement and violence.
- The social construction of nature raises questions about the role of science in shaping our understanding of the natural world.
- The understanding of nature is influenced by power dynamics, and destabilizing accepted discourses is a goal of social constructivists.
- The social construction of nature has significant implications for environmental resource control and societal power dynamics.
Test your knowledge about the social construction of nature with this quiz. Explore topics such as environmental discourse, constructivism, and human impact on remote places.
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