Synopses & Reviews
Talking about global environmental issues need not be an exercise in gloom, doom, and individual sacrificeas Michael Carolan ably demonstrates in this introduction to environmental sociology.
Society and the Environment examines todays environmental controversies within a socio-organizational context. After outlining the contours of "pragmatic environmentalism," Carolan explores the material world: air, water, biodiversity, and trash. He considers the pressures that exist where ecology and society collide, such as population growth and its associated increased demands for food and energy. Finally, he drills into the social/structural dynamicsincluding political economy and the international legal systemthat create ongoing momentum for environmental ills.
This interdisciplinary text features a three-part structure in each chapter that covers "fast facts" about the issue at hand, examines its wide-ranging implications, and offers pragmatic consideration of possible real-world solutions. Bolstering the analysis, a variety of boxes highlight relevant case studies as well as the value judgments which lurk everywhere in talk about environmental phenomena. Discussion questions and key terms enhance the texts usefulness, making Society and the Environment the perfect learning tool for courses on environmental sociology.
Review
"An engaging, well-organized, and comprehensive treatment of the core issues in environmental sociology. Carolans conversational style and pragmatic focus will help students connect with the subject rather than become depressed."
—Richard York, University of Oregon
"Unique for its matter-of-fact approach, Society and the Environment covers all the important topics in a well-organized way. Students will be drawn to its interdisciplinarity, its accessibility, and its lack of social science jargon."
—Shaunna Scott, University of Kentucky
"In this very well-organized and thought-provoking book, Carolan weaves together the macro and the micro, reflecting the truly complex nature of human/environment interaction. He manages to articulate to the reader that environmental issues are never black and white but rather shades of gray."
—Jesse T. Weiss, University of the Ozarks
"Carolan masterfully presents complex environmental problems (and their solutions) in a concise and lucid manner that will hold students attention. The standard framework for considering issues, the inclusion of exceptional case studies and ethical questions that will create a point of departure for many good class discussions, and the consideration of applied and practical efforts to protect the environment and manage resources all contribute to making this an excellent text and the backbone for any course in environmental sociology. Hats off to the author!"
—Stephanie McSpirit, Eastern Kentucky University
"A solid, timely, and well-written book."
—Susan G. Clark, Yale University
Synopsis
A new way to understand global environmental issues, emphasizing the interaction between the social and material worlds in order to expand students’ sociological imagination and to illustrate possible solutions.
About the Author
Michael Carolan is a professor at Colorado State University and chair of the department of sociology. His books include
A Sociological Look at Biofuels,
The Sociology of Food and Agriculture, The Real Cost of Cheap Food, Embodied Food Politics, and
Decentering Biotechnology.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Individuals, Societies, and Pragmatic Environmentalism
PART I: LIVING IN A MATERIAL WORLD
2. Greenhouse Gasses: Warmer Isnt Better
3. Waste: Our Sinks Are Almost Sunk
4. Biodiversity: Society Wouldnt Exist Without It
5. Water: Theres No Substitute
PART II: AT THE INTERSECTION OF ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
6. Population: A Problem of Quantity or Quality
7. Transportation: Beyond Air Pollution
8. Food: From Farm to Fork
9. Energy Production: Our Sun-ny Prospects
PART III: ORGANIZING A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY
10. Political Economy: Making Markets Fair and Sustainable
11. Governance: Biases and Blind Spots
12. Inequality and Growth: Prosperity for All
PART IV: SHIFTING THE FOCUS TO RESULTS
13. From Our Beliefs to Our Behaviors: Pragmatic Environmentalism in Action