An Environmental Sociology for the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

Environmental sociology has become a mature field within the discipline of sociology. We consider several of the key theories that define the core and boundaries of the field, calling attention to debates and unresolved questions. We contend that two of the defining features of this field are (a) attention to the inseparability of human and nonhuman natures and (b) attention to the role that power and social inequality play in shaping human/nonhuman interactions. These two characteristics of environmental sociology also reveal strong links between this field and the broader discipline, in light of recent reexaminations of classical sociological writings. We conclude with a consideration of new directions environmental sociologists might take toward building an even more robust, interdisciplinary, and critical area of study.

Global Climate Change Negotiations, the Treadmill of Destruction, and World Society

“…Finally, rational choice institutionalists highlight how cooperation can be in the self-interest of nation-states (Roberts et al 2004). David Pellow and Hollie Brehm (2013) note that world polity theory tends to neglect issues of power and agency. This third IR perspective, rational choice institutionalism, highlights cooperation without neglecting the role of power and self-interest in an unequal system.…”

The Ecuadorian Resource Dilemma:Sumak Kawsayor Development?

“…Similarly, the fusion of Marxist thought and environmental sociology has been rooted since the 1970s, giving birth to the conception of eco-Marxism (e.g. Foster, 2010;Hannigan, 1995;Harribey, 2008;Mol and Spaargaren, 2000;Pellow and Nyseth Brehm, 2013).…”

“…Karl Marx as well as Max Weber and more contemporary scholars have stressed the importance of examining the aspects of power and inequality amidst capitalist systems (e.g. Foster, 2002Foster, , 2010Pellow and Nyseth Brehm, 2013). For instance, ecosocialists Michael Löwy (2005) and John Bellamy Foster (2002) claim that social inequality as well as inequalities between North and South are fundamental obstacles in the struggle toward more environmentally-friendly societies.…”

Understanding Climate Adaptation Cultures in Global Context: Proposal for an Explanatory Framework

“…His study refers to the constellations of environmental sociology as well as the local political-economic approach. Environmental sociology has aimed at including environmental factors in its explanation [3][4][5][6] of how social behaviors form the environmental outcome, as well as how environmental context influences action. Political Economy of climate change considers the local socio-political constraints, such as issues related to power, inequality, and governance [7][8][9], whereas rational-choice theory [10,11] …”