Environmental Sociology: A Social Constructionist Perspective

by John Hannigan

This new edition of John Hannigan's well-known and respected text has been thoroughly revised to reflect recent conceptual and empirical advances in environmental sociology. The book offers a distinctive and even-handed treatment of environmental issues and debates, integrating European theoretical contributions such as risk society and ecological modernization with North American empirical insights and findings. Key updates an extended discussion of how classic sociological theory relates to contemporary environmental sociology a critical overview of contemporary interdisciplinary perspectives, namely co-constructionist theories of ‘socionature’ a focus on cultural sociologies of the environment, notably discourse analysis and social framing updated coverage of the environmental justice movement and grassroots mobilizations a review of the linkages between environmental sociology and the sociology of disasters a brand new case history chapter on the escalating global conflict over freshwater resources. Making a strong case for centrally incorporating power relations into a realist/constructionist model of environmental knowledge, politics and policy-making, this book includes a comparative analysis of the USA, Britain and Canada, and will prove a valuable student resource.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction, School, Environment, Science

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 1995

Reviews

[Osore Misanthrope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Није вредно читања, текст је морао да се утегне. Незнатно проширена белешка је овде.

[Walter Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a book of extremely high relevance on the environmental field. However it has a very hard language typical of social sciences books. That's what keeps me away of the "5 stars" in this rating.
Nonetheless, all the issues covered by the author are very important. I just wish that there was an easier way to explain all of that.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting view on how environmental issues are framed. Worth reading if you have interests in the environment, media, or the construction of knowledge.

[Revati Ahuja]

Great Book , It opens your mind to Social Constructionist approach and gives a new perspective on the relationship between man and environment

[Evie Sherrer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving it two stars because it was very informative. However, it was extremely dry and wordy. It took me a whole day to read 50 pages, which is unusual for me. The author improperly used idioms and ended the book on a very weak note about current environmental struggles. My fellow students and I were able to get the meat of what he said into short summaries, so we know it could have been more clear and concise. I know it is the nature of sociology to question and reevaluate. Still, I feel that Hannigan could have written all he needed to say in more readable way

[Yeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction to the topics and methods in environmental sociology with a social constructivist focus. I especially appreciate its summary of the historical development of ecology and sociology in the context of shifting discourse concerning environmental issues. However, the book occasionally read more like a rundown list rather than a stand-alone work. However, I would really like to check out Prof. Hannigan's other works in the future.