MEVE 017: Unit 04 - Environmental Sociology

-

UNIT 4: ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY

Introduction

Environmental Sociology is a special branch of sociology that studies the relationship between society and the natural environment. It explores how human activities impact nature and how environmental changes affect people, communities, and social systems. This unit introduces the development of environmental sociology, different perspectives on human–nature interaction, and its relevance in both global and Indian contexts.

4.1 Objectives

The objectives of this unit are:

  • To understand the connection between society and the environment
  • To learn about the origin and development of environmental sociology
  • To examine key theories such as the Human Exemptionalism Paradigm (HEP) and the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP)
  • To study how capitalism affects the environment
  • To understand the role of environmental sociology in India and globally

4.2 Sociology and the Study of the Environment

4.2.1 Early Sociological Perspectives

In the early days, sociologists did not pay much attention to the environment. They mainly focused on society, culture, and human behavior. Nature was often treated as a background or external factor. However, over time, the need to understand environmental issues from a sociological perspective became important as environmental problems started affecting society directly—such as pollution, climate change, and natural disasters.

4.2.2 Scope and Subject Matter

Environmental sociology looks at how human behavior, industry, urbanization, and consumption patterns harm nature. It also studies how different social groups—rich and poor, rural and urban—experience and respond to environmental problems differently. It aims to find solutions for sustainable living by promoting awareness, equality, and responsible use of resources.

4.3 The Rise of Environmental Sociology

4.3.1 Human Exemptionalism Paradigm (HEP) and New Ecological Paradigm (NEP)

The Human Exemptionalism Paradigm (HEP) is the idea that humans are different from other species and are not bound by nature. It suggests that human intelligence and technology can solve all environmental problems.

In contrast, the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) argues that humans are a part of nature and must live within its limits. It stresses that human actions can damage the environment and that we must respect nature's balance.

4.3.2 Capitalism and Environmental Degradation: The Treadmill of Production

This theory says that modern industrial society, especially under capitalism, is always trying to grow and produce more. This continuous production, called the Treadmill of Production, uses up natural resources and causes pollution, leading to environmental degradation. It suggests that economic growth should not happen at the cost of nature.

4.4 The Decline and Re-emergence of Environmental Sociology

Environmental sociology saw a decline during the mid-20th century when economic growth was given more importance. However, with growing environmental crises such as climate change, global warming, and biodiversity loss, the subject regained importance. Today, environmental sociology plays a key role in studying how society affects the planet and how we can create eco-friendly social systems.

4.4.1 The Global Environmental Change and Environmental Sociology

Global environmental changes—such as rising temperatures, melting glaciers, floods, droughts, and deforestation—have pushed sociologists to rethink how societies live and grow. Environmental sociology helps to study these global problems from a human-centered perspective and offers ideas for sustainable development and policy changes.

4.5 Environmental Sociology in India: An Overview

In India, environmental sociology focuses on issues like deforestation, water pollution, displacement due to dams and development projects, and climate change impacts on agriculture and rural life. Indian sociologists study how environmental problems affect different communities, especially tribal and rural populations. They also examine people's movements like Chipko Movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan, and Bishnoi conservation practices, which connect deeply with environmental concerns.

4.6 Let Us Sum Up

Environmental sociology helps us understand the deep link between society and nature. It challenges the belief that humans are separate from nature and reminds us that social progress must go hand-in-hand with environmental protection. Theories like NEP and the Treadmill of Production highlight the risks of ignoring nature in the name of development. In the Indian context, environmental sociology helps us address issues of environmental justice, sustainability, and the rights of local communities. This subject plays a vital role in creating a balanced, healthy, and sustainable future for all.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Jcert Class 8 Daffodil Chapter 1a: The Naive Friends Solutions

-
Chapter 1a : The Naive Friends Answer the following questions: 1. Which questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg? Ans.         How did the chick come out? How big would the eggs? How many? What colours would they? What did they eat? Such types of questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg. 2. What three things did the children do to protect the eggs? Ans.         The children done three things are: (i)          Adjustment of food. (ii)        Adjustment of water. (iii)      Adjustment of roof. 3. Why did Keshav think of making a cushion for the eggs? Ans.         When Keshav saw the egg on direct sun light, he thaught making a cushion for the eggs. 4. What excuse did Keshav give for not showing the eggs to Shyama? Ans.     ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 3 मित्रता Solutions

-
अध्याय - 3 : मित्रता 1. आप किस प्रकार कह सकते हैं कि मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है? उ. मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है क्योंकि संगति का गुप्त प्रभाव हमारे आचरण पर पड़ता है और यदि हमें अच्छी संगति, अच्छे मित्र मिलते हैं तो वे हमें सफलता की ओर ले जाते हैं जबकि बुरी संगति हमारे जीवन को खाक में मिला देती है।  2. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है।' आशय स्पष्ट कीजिए। उ. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है'- ऐसा इसलिए कहा गया है कि यदि हमें विश्वासी मित्र मिल गया तो हम अपने जीवन में चाहे जैसा भी कदम उठाएँ, उस कदम की आलोचना करके वह हमें सही दिशा की ओर उन्मुख करेगा। हम अपनी गलती रूपी बीमारी को उसकी आलोचना रूपी औषधि से दूर कर सकेंगे।  3. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें किन बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए? उ. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें निम्नलिखित बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए हमारे अच्छे विचारों (संकल्पों) को दृढ़ करने वाला हो। हमें दोषों और त्रुटियों से बचाए। हमारे सत्य, पवित्रता ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 8 अमरूद का पेड Solutions

-
अध्याय - 8 : अमरूद का पेड 1. लेखक को क्यों लगता है कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा। उ. अमरूद के पेड़ को देखकर सबसे पहले बाबू कन्हैयालाल की बूढ़ी पत्नी ने एक दिन टोका कि पश्चिम की तरफ अगर मकान का मुखड़ा हो और सामने ही अमरूद का पेड़ तो 'राम-राम बड़ा अशुभ होता है और माँ के चेहरे पर थोड़ा-सा भय दिखा पर लेखक को विश्वास था कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा क्योंकि उसके घर के लोग आधुनिक विचारधारा के थे उसकी माँ सत्याग्रह के दिनों में अजमेर में लम्बा जेल कर चुकी है। पिताजी खुद राजनैतिक सामाजिक उदारता वाले आदमी थे। बुआ ने विवाह नहीं किया था, पढ़ने-लिखने में ही अपनी सम्पूर्ण जिन्दगी लगा दी और समाज कोई चुनौती देने का साहस नहीं कर सका। साथ ही परिवार के सभी लोगों में पिछड़ेपन के प्रति भर्त्सना का भाव था। 2. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया किस प्रकार लेखक को उनके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है ? उ. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया लेखक को उसके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है। वे सभी अमरूद की छाया में बेंत की कुर्सियों पर बैठ चर्चाएँ करते थे जिससे उनके बीच...
Read more