Ecology and society
Luke Martell
Ecology and Society introduces green ideas to students of the social sciences. It goes beyond traditional sociological boundaries to show how society interacts with nature but suggests that there are flaws in the philosophy and politics of the green movement. The book analyses ecological limits on, and effects of, industrialism and economic growth. Martell assesses forms of society and politics appropriate to sustainability. He evaluates proposals for frugality and argues for global and interventionist solutions over the decentralized and capitalist proposals of greens and economic liberals. The volume goes beyond human-centred and eco-centred perspectives in the philosophy of environmentalism and assesses explanations for the development of the green movement in recent years. Martell shows how ecology both revolutionizes and relies on traditions in political thought such as conservatism, liberalism, socialism, and feminism. He proposes a realist perspective in rethinking relations between society and nature over approaches popular in sociology and the green movement. The book concludes with an assessment of the future of the green movement, arguing for a focus on politics and alliances, rather than social agents or lifestyle politics, in green politics. "This is a superb and much needed contribution: it achieves a remarkably coherent synthesis of ecological concerns with social and political theory. It is highly original, scholarly and, at the same time, beautifully clear and accessible. It will be much welcomed by researchers and students alike". Ted Benton, University of Essex.
