Synopses & Reviews
This book examines the link between waste and consumption through a cultural approach that integrates environmental concerns with reflections on the role that consumption has come to occupy in our contemporary capitalist societies. The mutual relationship between capitalism and consumption is addressed along with early critiques of industrialization that exposed environmental problems. Toxic waste and its illegal dumping are examined, along with the problem of abuse of poorere areas and nations when it comes to disposing of toxic material. The question of solutions to the problems created by consumption and waste is raised and the claim is advanced that we do not necessarily need to stop being consumers. This timely book can be used in introductory sociology, social problems, and classes on environment and sustainability.
This book is part of the Framing 21st Century Social Issues Series which offers readable, teachable thinking frames on today's social problems and social issues by leading scholars, all in short 60 page or shorter formats, and available for view on http: //routledge.customgateway.com/routledge-social-issues.html.
For instructors teaching a wide range of courses in the social sciences, the Routledge Social Issues Collection now offers the best of both worlds: originally written short texts that provide overviews to important social issues as well as teachable excerpts from larger works previously published by Routledge and other presses.
Synopsis
This book belongs to a cluster of books on environment and sustainability, including a book by Scott McNall on climate change and a future book by Timothy W. Luke on sustainability. The author argues that much of the literature on environmentalism has focused on issues of overproduction and has ignored consumption, especially wasteful consumption. She remedies that in her treatment, which draws attention to the environmental, cultural and personal implications of waste. Her discussion of personal responsibilities for consumption will appeal to students who seek to locate themselves in a global social structure. This timely book can be used in introductory sociology, social problems, and classes on environment and sustainability.
The goal of this new, unique Series is to offer readable, teachable thinking frames on todaya (TM)s social problems and social issues by leading scholars, all in short 60 page or shorter formats, and available for view on http: //routledge.customgateway.com/routledge-social-issues.html
For instructors teaching a wide range of courses in the social sciences, the Routledge Social Issues Collection now offers the best of both worlds: originally written short texts that provide overviews to important social issues as well as teachable excerpts from larger works previously published by Routledge and other presses.