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Sociology and the Environment: A Critical Introduction to Society, Nature and Knowledge
In this important new book Alan Irwin maps out the knowledge, teaching and research in the emerging field of environmental sociology. He reviews the key sociological debates in the field and sets out a new framework for analysis and practice.
222 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2001
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July 21, 2021
Alan Irwin's "Sociology and the Environment" is an engaging and insightful exploration of a sociological approach to environmental issues that attempts to overcome the conceptual nature/culture, society/environment dualism that restricts contemporary research on such issues. Drawing on a critique of Beck's 'risk society' thesis, the sociology of scientific knowledge (as expounded by such thinkers as Latour), and approaching environmental issues from a constructivist position, Irwin grounds his ideas in empirical examples, showing how environmental issues are differently constructed and understood by governmental institutions, industry, and the public, according to cultural and institutional contexts and norms. Rather than environmental issues existing and affecting society in any objective sense, such an approach emphasises their social nature and how such interpretations, even amongst the 'natural' sciences, are central to how such issues are comprehended and responded to.
In this context, Irwin situates sociology as being integral to understanding the complexities and nuances of the way environmental problems are perceived by different elements of society, highlighting the underlying assumptions and social processes that such perceptions are built on, thereby enriching the debate, increasing transparency and allowing for more affective critique.
The value of this book, I think, is in its challenge of conventional sociological and political approaches to environmental issues, which engender the social-natural duality, and in its moving beyond the tired old debate between 'realists' and 'constructivists' over what constitutes an environmental issue.
However, whilst acknowledging the space for taking a critical (or normative) position from the sociological perspective offered, Irwin appears to be attempting for a somewhat detached, morally indifferent point of view, preferring to leave the practical application (in terms of critical analysis, cultural critique etc) to others. From the constructivist and sociology of scientific knowledge framework he employs, it's implied that the author is interested in questioning positions of social and cultural authority, and so embodying a critical view of the relations and norms of power. His lack of critical analysis despite providing the sociological tools for it, whilst not exactly detracting from his argument, is somewhat disappointing in its refusal to acknowledge the political and sub-political potential of such a position.
In this context, Irwin situates sociology as being integral to understanding the complexities and nuances of the way environmental problems are perceived by different elements of society, highlighting the underlying assumptions and social processes that such perceptions are built on, thereby enriching the debate, increasing transparency and allowing for more affective critique.
The value of this book, I think, is in its challenge of conventional sociological and political approaches to environmental issues, which engender the social-natural duality, and in its moving beyond the tired old debate between 'realists' and 'constructivists' over what constitutes an environmental issue.
However, whilst acknowledging the space for taking a critical (or normative) position from the sociological perspective offered, Irwin appears to be attempting for a somewhat detached, morally indifferent point of view, preferring to leave the practical application (in terms of critical analysis, cultural critique etc) to others. From the constructivist and sociology of scientific knowledge framework he employs, it's implied that the author is interested in questioning positions of social and cultural authority, and so embodying a critical view of the relations and norms of power. His lack of critical analysis despite providing the sociological tools for it, whilst not exactly detracting from his argument, is somewhat disappointing in its refusal to acknowledge the political and sub-political potential of such a position.
Displaying 1 of 1 review