Building Something Better: Environmental Crises and the Promise of Community Change

Social scientists examine the causes and effects of global crises such as climate change, inequality, and authoritarianism. Sociology can help us understand how communities adapt to these challenges and develop alternatives to harmful systems. In "Building Something Better," Stephanie A. Malin and Meghan Elizbeth Kallman showcase case studies of communities creating distributive and regenerative systems that depart from capitalist approaches, offering hope and a call to action in times of crisis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

As the world grapples with a complex web of interrelated crises, from climate change to growing inequality to the rise of authoritarian governments, social scientists are diligently exploring the underlying causes and mechanisms at play. In their insightful book, "Building Something Better: How Communities Adapt in the Face of Crises," Stephanie A. Malin and Meghan Elizabeth Kallman offer a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the ways in which communities respond to these challenges.

The authors argue that sociology has a crucial role to play in understanding the processes and mechanisms through which communities adapt to crises. They demonstrate how communities can create alternative systems that are more sustainable and equitable, departing from the harmful practices of neoliberalism and capitalism.

Through a series of vivid case studies, Malin and Kallman showcase how communities are making significant changes by developing distributive and regenerative systems that prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet. These case studies range from activist water protectors to hemp farmers to renewable energy cooperatives led by Indigenous peoples and nations.

In addition to presenting these case studies, the authors offer critical critiques of colonialism, extractive capitalism, and neoliberalism, highlighting their role in perpetuating social inequality and environmental degradation. They argue that sociology must expand beyond its disciplinary traditions and engage with other social sciences and activist movements to address these complex issues.

"Building Something Better" serves as a powerful call to action, urging communities to refuse to continue business-as-usual and to work towards building a more just and sustainable world. The book offers a sense of hope in a time of crises, demonstrating that it is possible to challenge social inequality and environmental degradation by taking bold and innovative approaches.

In conclusion, "Building Something Better: How Communities Adapt in the Face of Crises" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of social change and the role of communities in creating a better future. The book provides valuable insights into the ways in which communities can adapt to crises, develop alternative systems, and challenge the dominant ideologies that perpetuate inequality and environmental degradation. By engaging with the ideas presented in this book, we can all work towards building something better for ourselves and future generations.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978823693