Sociology and the Environment: A Critical Introduction to Society, Nature and Knowledge

by Alan Irwin

Overview

Can sociology help us to tackle environmental problems? What can sociology tell us about the nature of the environment and about the origins and consequences of environmental risks, hazards and change? In this important new book Alan Irwin maps out this emerging field of knowledge, teaching and research. He reviews the key sociological debates in the field and sets out a new framework for analysis and practice.

Among the themes examined are constructivism and realism, sustainable development and theories of the risk society. Readers are also introduced to communities at risk, institutional regulation and the environmental consequences of technology. Particular topics for discussion include genetically modified organisms, nuclear power, pesticide safety and the local hazards of the chemical industry. Rather than maintaining a fixed boundary between nature and society, Irwin highlights the hybrid character of environmental issues and emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors within environmental policy.

Combining theoretical discussion and case-studies with a sensitivity to the concerns of environmental policy and practice, Sociology and the Environment provides an excellent introduction to an expanding and immensely important field. It will be a valuable text for students and scholars in sociology, geography, environmental studies and related disciplines.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780745667331
Publisher:	Polity Press
Publication date:	04/25/2013
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	222
File size:	929 KB

About the Author

Alan Irwin is Professor of Sociology at Brunel University

Table of Contents

Preface.

Introduction.

Chapter 1: Sustainability as Social Challenge.

Chapter 2: The Risk Society Thesis: The End of the World as We Know It?.

Chapter 3: Science and the Social Construction of Environmental Threat.

Chapter 4: Risks in Context: The Local Construction of Environmental Issues.

Chapter 5: Institutional Judgements and Contested Decisions: The Governance of Environmental Problems.

Chapter 6: Kamikazes and Chromosomes: Sociological Perspectives on Technology.

Chapter 7: Society, Nature, Knowledge: Co-constructing the Social and the Natural.

Notes.

References.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

'Irwin inspires. Finally, an introduction to the sociology of the environment that recognizes the critical importance of knowledge in mediating the exchanges between people and nature. "Realists" and "Constructivists" are both invited to revisit their entrenched positions in a book that charts a new and evocative course in the social study of the environment.' Steve Kroll-Smith, The University of New Orleans

From the Publisher