Environmental Sociology Notes PDF Winter 2024

Day #01 Environmental Sociology SLGY 2255 Winter 2024 MBD brief notes on 20Lessons 3rd ed An Introduc�on to Environmental Sociology Highlights What is environmental sociology, and why is studying the interac�on between social systems and ecosystems such a challenge? Environmental sociology is a field...

Day #01 Environmental Sociology SLGY 2255 Winter 2024 MBD brief notes on 20Lessons 3rd ed An Introduc�on to Environmental Sociology Highlights What is environmental sociology, and why is studying the interac�on between social systems and ecosystems such a challenge? Environmental sociology is a field of study that explores the interac�on between social systems and ecosystems. It requires a holis�c and interdisciplinary approach due to the complexity of both systems. Social systems consist of intricate networks of individuals, ins�tu�ons, and cultural norms, while ecosystems comprise interconnected bio�c and abio�c components. The tradi�onal separa�on of nature and society in Western tradi�ons has made this interac�on challenging to study, as sociologists and ecologists have o�en overlooked each other's fields. The increasing visibility of the nega�ve impacts of social systems on the environment and the disorganiza�on of nature necessitates a comprehensive understanding of how these systems influence each other. Environmental sociology aims to bridge the gap between sociology and ecology, u�lizing sociological tools to explore this complex rela�onship. The goal is to address the environmental challenges caused by social systems and contribute to sustainable solu�ons by integra�ng an understanding of ecological processes and environmental factors into sociological analysis. Why did sociologists ini�ally pay litle aten�on to the natural world, and how did this change over �me? In the early stages of sociology, the natural world was overlooked due to the emphasis on legi�mizing the discipline and a tradi�onal separa�on between nature and society. However, this changed with the rise of the ecology movement in the late 60s and early 70s and environmental crises that s�rred public concern. Furthermore, sociologists Caton and Dunlap's introduc�on of the HEP-NEP dis�nc�on encouraged the view of humanity as part of nature, leading to a greater focus on the natural world within sociology. The Human Exemptionalism Paradigm (HEP) and New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) models are two contrasting perspectives in environmental sociology. The HEP model views humans as separate from and superior to nature, with the right to control and exploit the natural world for their benefit. Its key characteris�cs include anthropocentrism, human domina�on, and priori�za�on of economic growth over environmental sustainability. On the other hand, the NEP model views humans as part of a complex web of life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and ecosystems. It promotes ecocentrism, environmental stewardship, and environmental jus�ce. The NEP model is seen through environmental ac�vism, policies promo�ng sustainability, and ecological farming prac�ces. What is the "metabolic ri�," and how has it influenced the study of environmental sociology? The "metabolic ri�" is a concept introduced by Marx, referring to the disconnec�on between human socie�es and the natural environment, especially concerning resource extrac�on and ecosystem degrada�on. This concept has drama�cally influenced environmental sociology by emphasizing the nega�ve impacts of social systems on the environment, par�cularly capitalism. It has led to a deeper understanding of the link between human socie�es and the environment, promp�ng explora�on of socio-economic factors driving environmental degrada�on. The metabolic ri� also challenges the tradi�onal separa�on of nature and society, highligh�ng their interdependence and the ecological dimensions of societal problems. This has broadened the scope of environmental sociology, promo�ng a more comprehensive understanding of environmental issues. What were some of the environmental crises that spurred the ins�tu�onaliza�on of environmental sociology, and why was it necessary for the discipline to assert itself? Some of the environmental crises that spurred the ins�tu�onaliza�on of environmental sociology include oil spills, toxic wastes, and nuclear power plant meltdowns. These events, along with growing public alarm over such developments, prompted sociologists to look more cri�cally at how society interacts with the ecosystem. The asser�on of environmental sociology as a discipline was necessary due to the dire consequences that were becoming increasingly apparent. The nega�ve impacts of social systems on the environment were growing, and the disorganiza�on of nature was becoming an evident threat to human socie�es. For example, the destruc�on of various ecosystems could lead to the ex�nc�on of mul�ple species and could disrupt the balance of the earth's natural systems. Furthermore, environmental degrada�on could nega�vely impact human health and contribute to social inequality. Considering these reali�es, it became clear that understanding the complex interconnec�ons between social systems and ecosystems was both a cri�cal research area and a key part of addressing these environmental challenges. Thus, environmental sociology asserted itself in sociological research to use its tools and perspec�ves to comprehensively understand the nature-society rela�onship.