Sociology Chapter 14

Chapter 14 "Going Green": Environmental Sociology

Overview

• Learning Objectives (LO):

  • LO1: Factors posing environmental challenges

  • LO2: Growing awareness of environmental issues

  • LO3, 4: Environmental sociology

  • LO5: Strategies for better environmental choices

(LO1) Factors Posing Environmental Challenges

• Human Industrialization

• Overpopulation

• Overconsumption

• Urbanization of Resources

(LO2) Growing Awareness of Environmental Issues

• "First Wave" (1960s-1970s)

  • Highlights: pollution, environmental disasters, resource depletion

  • Solutions described as "Band aid"

• "Second Wave" (1980s onward)

  • Focus: impacts of global climate change

(LO3) Environmental Sociology

• Ecological Modernization

• Treadmill of Production

  • This growing subdiscipline studies the relationship between society and the environment

• Human Exemptionalism Paradigm

  • Views nature as separate from society

  • Emphasizes an anthropocentric outlook and reliance on technology

• New Ecological Paradigm

  • Focus on interdependence, unintended consequences, and limited resources

(LO4) Perspectives on Environmental Sociology

• Functionalist Perspective

  • Emphasizes ecological modernization and coexistence for collective good

• Conflict Perspective

  • Highlights trends of economic expansion and consumption

  • Proposes that growth can solve problems, advocating for large business expansions and social control

(LO5) Strategies for Better Environmental Choices

• Sustainable Living

  • Encourages changes in individual habits:

    • Eating

    • Energy use

    • Waste management

    • Purchasing decisions

• Sustainable Development

  • Advocates for group habit changes:

    • Eliminating corruption

    • Fostering higher standards of living and production

Summary

• Overconsumption, population growth, industrialization, and urbanization are key factors contributing to environmental challenges.

• The first and second waves of environmental awareness highlighted different issues.

• Environmental sociology blends empirical study with practical application for understanding society-environment relationships.

• Promoting better choices at individual, group, organizational, and institutional levels is crucial for sustainable solutions.