Hardback
Rethinking Environmental Sociology
Moral Claims and Moral Meanings
9781803928838 Edward Elgar Publishing
This unique and innovative book explores the sociology of environmental morality. John Hannigan presents a unique framework by which we can understand the ongoing moralisation of environmental issues, re-interpreting the development of environmental sociology as a transition from moral learning to moral outrage.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This unique and innovative book explores the sociology of environmental morality. John Hannigan presents a unique framework by which we can understand the ongoing moralisation of environmental issues, re-interpreting the development of environmental sociology as a transition from moral learning to moral outrage.
Responding to the challenges raised by Michael Bell (2020), Justin Farrell (2015), and Paul Stock (2020) to develop a ‘sociology of environmental morality’, Hannigan investigates how our understanding of environmental conflicts, issues and movements may be enriched by unearthing their underlying moral foundations. Chapters assess the cultural construction of moral narratives and the theory of moral economies, pairing this with case studies on gardens and gardening, the deep ocean, palm oil plantations, and lithium mining in the Andean highlands. Ultimately, the book argues for a revitalised environmental sociology constructed upon three central pillars: rigorous scientific grounding, deep moral commitment, and a theoretical orientation that integrates nature and society.
Rethinking Environmental Sociology is a key resource for students and academics working in environmental sociology, environmental history, political ecology and development studies. Hannigan’s proposed framework is also of interest to policymakers and practitioners specialising in climate change and development.
Responding to the challenges raised by Michael Bell (2020), Justin Farrell (2015), and Paul Stock (2020) to develop a ‘sociology of environmental morality’, Hannigan investigates how our understanding of environmental conflicts, issues and movements may be enriched by unearthing their underlying moral foundations. Chapters assess the cultural construction of moral narratives and the theory of moral economies, pairing this with case studies on gardens and gardening, the deep ocean, palm oil plantations, and lithium mining in the Andean highlands. Ultimately, the book argues for a revitalised environmental sociology constructed upon three central pillars: rigorous scientific grounding, deep moral commitment, and a theoretical orientation that integrates nature and society.
Rethinking Environmental Sociology is a key resource for students and academics working in environmental sociology, environmental history, political ecology and development studies. Hannigan’s proposed framework is also of interest to policymakers and practitioners specialising in climate change and development.
Critical Acclaim
‘John Hannigan’s scholarly work is always insightful and often provocative, and this book continues the trend. Hannigan encourages environmental sociologists to give more attention to the moral dimension of environmental issues, offers several compelling examples of the benefits of doing so, and concludes by arguing that developing a “sociology of environmental morality” can revitalize environmental sociology. Whether his call will succeed or not remains to be seen, but his message deserves careful consideration.’
– Riley Dunlap, Oklahoma State University, USA
‘Hannigan’s outstanding Rethinking Environmental Sociology offers an accessible and thorough guide to better wrestle with morality in terms of sociological and environmental questions, whether sociologist or not. This book offers a great invitation to expand our moral imaginations related to our most pressing issues.’
– Paul Stock, The University of Kansas, USA
‘John Hannigan’s book offers a comprehensive perspective on environmental morality that stands out in the literature on environmental sociology. An important book that will be of great value to students and especially academics concerned with the relationship between society, morality and the environment.’
– Cristiano Luis Lenzi, University of São Paulo, Brazil
– Riley Dunlap, Oklahoma State University, USA
‘Hannigan’s outstanding Rethinking Environmental Sociology offers an accessible and thorough guide to better wrestle with morality in terms of sociological and environmental questions, whether sociologist or not. This book offers a great invitation to expand our moral imaginations related to our most pressing issues.’
– Paul Stock, The University of Kansas, USA
‘John Hannigan’s book offers a comprehensive perspective on environmental morality that stands out in the literature on environmental sociology. An important book that will be of great value to students and especially academics concerned with the relationship between society, morality and the environment.’
– Cristiano Luis Lenzi, University of São Paulo, Brazil
Contents
Contents
1 Introduction to Rethinking Environmental Sociology
PART I THE MORALISATION OF NATURE
2 Humboldt’s disciples: the moralisation of nature
3 ‘Things always grow back in the spring’: morality, gardens
and gardening
PART II CULTURAL CONSTRUCTION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
4 Moralisation of environmental issues and problems
5 A strange and distant world: moralising the deep ocean
PART III MORAL ECONOMY AND POLITICAL ECOLOGY
6 Moral economies
7 The peril of palms
PART IV TOWARDS A SOCIOLOGY OF
ENVIRONMENTAL MORALITY
8 From moral learning to moral outrage
9 Conclusion to Rethinking Environmental Sociology
References
1 Introduction to Rethinking Environmental Sociology
PART I THE MORALISATION OF NATURE
2 Humboldt’s disciples: the moralisation of nature
3 ‘Things always grow back in the spring’: morality, gardens
and gardening
PART II CULTURAL CONSTRUCTION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
4 Moralisation of environmental issues and problems
5 A strange and distant world: moralising the deep ocean
PART III MORAL ECONOMY AND POLITICAL ECOLOGY
6 Moral economies
7 The peril of palms
PART IV TOWARDS A SOCIOLOGY OF
ENVIRONMENTAL MORALITY
8 From moral learning to moral outrage
9 Conclusion to Rethinking Environmental Sociology
References
