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1 - Classical Theory and Environmental Sociology: Toward Deeper and Stronger Roots

from Part I - Theory in Environmental Sociology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 November 2020

By
Hannah Holleman
Edited by
Katharine Legun ,
Julie C. Keller ,
Michael Carolan  and
Michael M. Bell
Katharine Legun
Affiliation:
Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands
Julie C. Keller
Affiliation:
University of Rhode Island
Michael Carolan
Affiliation:
Colorado State University
Michael M. Bell
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin, Madison
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Summary

Chapter Two examines the origins of the canon of classical sociological theory and how this canon entered environmental sociology in the field’s early history. The analysis highlights the centrality of colonialism and imperialism, as well as mid-twentieth century liberalism and geopolitics – along with their ideological underpinnings – in shaping both ecological and social thought, as well as the discipline of sociology, with consequences for the later emergence of environmental sociology. The chapter closes by pointing to opportunities for further recovery of early critical perspectives lost, due in part to the process of canon formation and practices of social exclusion and academic marginalization, at great cost to the development of socio-ecological thought and action.

Keywords

Classical Social TheoryColonialismImperialismEnvironmental SociologyCritical Environmental Justice
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Environmental Sociology , pp. 11 - 29
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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