ESRM 1109 homework

(i) What is Sociology?
Sociology is the scientific study of human society; which analyses

how social structures, organizations, and interactions influence
human behavior and cultural norms. It investigates the complex
connections between individuals and groups by examining
patterns of social organization, power relations, and the processes
that drive social change.
According to Auguste Comte, who is considered the founding

father of Sociology, ”Sociology is the science of society, the study
of the social laws that govern human behavior.”
Comte believed that society operates according to observable

laws, much like the natural world, and that sociology should seek
to uncover these laws through scientific inquiry.
(ii) Write down the scope of Environmental
Sociology.
Environmental sociology refers to the study of the reciprocal

influences in between human societies and their biophysical
environments (Gottlieb, 1993), It explores how social systems and
institutions contribute to environmental issues, while also
examining how these problems, in turn, impact society.
Riley E. Dunlap is commonly called the father of environmental

sociology. He, along with William R. Catton Jr., brought forward
key ideas in environmental sociology, challenging the notion of
“human exemptionalism”—the idea that humans are somehow
separate from the limits of environmental constraints. They
stated, “Environmental sociology emerged to challenge the
discipline’s narrow focus on social structures and to include the
biophysical environment as a significant variable in social
analysis.”
So basically environmental sociology focuses on how societies

influence and interact with their natural environment. Here are
some important areas it covers:
1. How Humans Affect the Environment: This field looks at

how social habits, economic systems, and cultural norms
contribute to issues like pollution, deforestation, and climate
change. It aims to uncover the root causes of these
ecological challenges within human societies.
2. Two-Way Interactions: Environmental sociology doesn’t

just study society’s impact on nature. It also considers how
environmental changes reshape societies. For example,
natural disasters, resource shortages, or shifting climates
can impact economies, communities, and social systems.
3. Theories on the Environment and Society: To

understand these dynamics, environmental sociology draws
on theories like human ecology, which examines the role of
population growth, technology, and consumption in driving
environmental issues. Similarly, Allan Schnaiberg’s “treadmill
of production” theory argues that endless economic
expansion harms ecosystems by depleting resources and
causing pollution.
4. How Societies Respond: The field also focuses on how

people address environmental problems. This includes
studying activism, policymaking, and sustainability efforts.
Movements advocating for environmental justice, especially
for marginalized groups, are a key area of interest.
5. Global Comparisons: Cross-national research is another

important aspect. By comparing how different regions
address environmental challenges, researchers can analyze
the role of wealth, industrial development, and government
policies in shaping outcomes.
In essence, environmental sociology goes beyond studying

society in isolation by placing the environment at the center of its
analysis. It provides insights into how societies can create
sustainable solutions that work for both people and the planet.
(iii) Why should we learn Environmental
Sociology as an ESRM student?
Environmental sociology looks at the deep connection between

society and the environment. It offers valuable insights that go
beyond the scientific side of things and are incredibly relevant for
an Environmental Science and Resource Management student.
Here’s why it’s worth exploring:
1. Why Social Behaviors Matter: Many environmental

problems—like pollution, deforestation, and climate change
—aren’t just about science or technology. They’re deeply tied
to how people live, work, and consume. Environmental
sociology helps us understand these social and economic
roots, giving us tools to address the causes, not just the
symptoms, helping us see the bigger picture of why these
issues persist.
2. Connecting the Dots: Environmental issues don’t happen

in isolation. They’re shaped by policies, politics, culture, and
social inequalities. Environmental sociology combines these
elements with ecological knowledge, giving us the tools to
address complex challenges in more practical and well-
rounded ways.
3. Shaping Better Policies: A big part of our career might

involve shaping or implementing policies. But good policies
don’t just solve problems on paper- they need to work for
people. So if we’re planning to work on environmental policy,
understanding the human side of things is essential.
Whether it’s public attitudes, activism, or stakeholder needs,
environmental sociology can guide us in creating realistic
and impactful policies that not only work in theory but are
practical and accepted by the communities they affect.
4. Focusing on Fairness: Environmental crises often hit the

most vulnerable the hardest. Studying environmental
sociology teaches us about these disparities and prepares us
to advocate for fair solutions that prioritize equity, ensuring
no one is left behind in the push for sustainability. This
approach ensures our work isn’t just effective but also
ethical, addressing the needs of those most affected.
5. Encouraging Change: Shifting people’s habits and

behaviors is a huge part of achieving sustainability. This field
gives us insight into how social norms and cultural practices
influence environmental decisions, helping us design
programs and initiatives that inspire real, lasting change.
6. Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Environmental

challenges are global, but their effects and solutions can
vary widely across cultures and regions. By studying how
societies respond to these challenges, we’ll gain a broader
perspective that can shape our approach to prepare us for
work that respects diverse perspectives while tackling
universal problems.
Ultimately, environmental sociology gives us the tools to bridge

science and society. It’s not just about understanding ecosystems
but understanding people and their role within those systems.
This perspective equips us to manage resources and solve
problems in ways that are not just scientifically sound but also
socially smart and sustainable.

ESRM 1109 homework

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ESRM 1109 homework

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

ESRM 1109 homework

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

(i) What is Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of human society; which analyses

According to Auguste Comte, who is considered the founding

Comte believed that society operates according to observable

Environmental sociology refers to the study of the reciprocal

Riley E. Dunlap is commonly called the father of environmental

So basically environmental sociology focuses on how societies

1. How Humans Affect the Environment: This field looks at

2. Two-Way Interactions: Environmental sociology doesn’t

3. Theories on the Environment and Society: To

4. How Societies Respond: The field also focuses on how

5. Global Comparisons: Cross-national research is another

In essence, environmental sociology goes beyond studying

Environmental sociology looks at the deep connection between

1. Why Social Behaviors Matter: Many environmental

2. Connecting the Dots: Environmental issues don’t happen

3. Shaping Better Policies: A big part of our career might

4. Focusing on Fairness: Environmental crises often hit the

5. Encouraging Change: Shifting people’s habits and

6. Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Environmental

Ultimately, environmental sociology gives us the tools to bridge

You might also like