1st Edition
Environmental Sociology and Social Transformation Key Issues
Environmental Sociology and Social Transformation demonstrates how sociological theory and research are critical for understanding the social drivers of global environmental destruction and the conditions for transformative change.
Written by two professors of sociology who are deeply involved in the international community of environmental sociology, Magnus Boström and Rolf Lidskog argue that we need to better understand society as well as the fundamentally social nature of environmental problems and how they can be addressed. The authors provide answers to why so many unsustainable practices are maintained and supported by institutions and actors despite widespread knowledge of their negative consequences. Employing a pluralistic sociological approach to the study of social transformations, the book is divided into five key themes: Causes, Distributions, Understandings, Barriers, and Transformation. Overall, the book offers an integrative and comprehensive understanding of the social dimension of (un)sustainability, societal inertia, and conditions for transformative change. It provides the reader with references from classic and contemporary sociology and uses pedagogical features including boxes and questions for discussion to help embed learning.
Arguing that a broad and deep social transformation is needed to avoid a global civilization crisis, Environmental Sociology and Social Transformation will be a great resource for students and scholars who are exploring current environmental challenges and the societal conditions for meeting them.
Chapter 1. Crisis: The need for social transformation
The five facets of the social
Are we facing a civilizational crisis?
Social transformation
The five thematic issues of the book
References
Chapter 2. Causes: The social roots of environmental problems
Macrosocial explanations: What has caused the current environmental situation?
Microsocial explanations: Why don’t we live in an ecologically sustainable way?
Meso-social explanations
A question of power
Conclusion
Questions for reflection and discussion
References
Chapter 3. Distributions: The social spread of environmental problems
Social stratification: Class, gender, ethnicity
Environmental (in)justice
How inequality causes environmental problems and prevents action
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4. Understandings: The social sense-making of environmental problems
From fact-finding to sense-making
Storylines and frames: Making environmental issues meaningful
Claims and counterclaims in environmental storylines and politics
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5. Barriers: Social resistance through inadequate solutions
Barriers to transformation
Piecemeal solutions and the problem-solving mindset
Ten critical questions to reveal inadequate solutions
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6. Transformation: Ways of changing society
What does transformation mean?
Social transformation and the five facets of the social
A final word
References
Biography
Magnus Boström is Professor of Sociology at Örebro University, Sweden, with expertise in environmental sociology and the sociology of consumption. His current research focuses on the social drivers behind unsustainable mass consumption, as well as the conditions for lifestyle change and more collective ways of sharing resources.
Rolf Lidskog is Professor of Sociology at Örebro University, Sweden, with expertise in environmental sociology, environmental politics, and risk regulation. He is currently conducting research on international environmental governance, focusing on its conditions and the role of expertise.
“This book, written by two of the most important scholars in the environmental social sciences today, could not be more timely. Breaking down the social mechanisms that shape processes of change in our socio-ecological relations, and written in an accessible manner, this book has something for students, seasoned researchers, and concerned publics alike. Rather than hand waving about the monstrous environmental and climate crises we face, Environmental Sociology and Social Transformation invites readers to roll up their sleeves and get to work.”
Debra Davidson, University of Alberta, Canada
“This imaginative and important book brings sociological critique and transformative change together. Boström and Lidskog explain how environmental problems are societal problems – with social causes and social solutions. A useful text for students, activists and policy makers seeking to understand and solve our most pressing global issues.”
Jo Lindsay, Monash University, Australia
“This book is a remarkable addition to environmental sociology debates, stressing the need to understand society's role in contemporary ecological challenges. By superbly presenting the ‘five facets of the social’ it unravels the complexities of our civilizational crisis and provides a compass for just social transformation. This contribution is pertinent to audiences worldwide.”
Llewellyn Leonard, University of South Africa
“In this volume, Boström and Lidskog offer a wide-ranging and accessible overview of the diverse perspectives and key concepts that show why a sociological lens is so vital for understanding environmental issues, impacts and solutions. By consistently making the connections between everyday practices and more global phenomena and issues, this is an ideal book to help students navigate the complex ways in which “global” environmental problems are intertwined with our everyday lives.”
Mark C.J. Stoddart, Memorial University, Canada
“As the environmental crisis becomes increasingly worrisome and encompassing, this book offers an invaluable compass for navigating its many facets, making sense of its social causes and possible solutions.”
Luigi Pellizzoni, University of Pisa, Italy
“Without understanding society, we cannot properly address the environmental crisis we are facing today. That is where sociological theory comes in, and also this well-written book. It will be a very enlightening work for scholars and students seeking to learn about the environmental crisis and what we can do about it.”
Saburo Horikawa, Hosei University, Japan, and President, the Japanese Association for Environmental Sociology
“In response to escalating planetary crisis, Boström and Lidskog urgently explore the imperative for profound social transformation, employing sociological theory to dissect environmental challenges. This eloquently written book is a tour de force that will shape the academic and policy discourse for years to come.”
Audronė Telešienė, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
