Sociology Saves the Planet: An Introduction to Socioecological Thinking and Practice

Sociology Saves the Planet argues that environmental concerns need to be treated as a core concept in the study of sociology, integrating the theme of environment and society to highlight the intrinsic value a sociological perspective brings to our understanding of the current ecological crisis. It draws out the origins of sociology in the social and ecological transformations of the industrial revolution and examines the significance of major categories of social difference regarding the crisis, such as environmental justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Sociology, as a discipline that examines inequality and the constituent elements of the social world, has often been accused of negligence regarding the urgency of the world's environmental crisis. However, Sociology Saves the Planet aims to correct this misperception by integrating the theme of environment and society to highlight the intrinsic value a sociological perspective brings to our understanding of the current ecological crisis.

The author begins by tracing the origins of sociology in the social and ecological transformations of the industrial revolution. Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber, among others, provided key insights into the changing nature of human organization and the exploitation of the natural world.

The book then explores sociological perspectives developed since that time, grounded in evidence-based research, which highlight the inextricable connection between environment and society. Special attention is devoted to the dual role of people as producers and consumers in the modern context.

Lastly, the book examines the significance of major categories of social difference regarding the current environmental crisis. In this regard, the question of environmental justice is paramount, illuminating both the disproportionate benefit of natural resource exploitation to those countries and individuals with higher socioeconomic status and the greater exposure to environmental hazards among those with less.

Averting global calamity requires us to recognize the unequal social impacts of the environmental crisis while valorizing inclusivity and the development of sustainable practices. Sociology Saves the Planet is a valuable contribution to the field, offering a sociological lens through which we can understand and address the urgent environmental challenges of our time.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 153 x 235 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367627577