A LOOK AT ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY THROUGH CLASSICAL SOCIOLOGY THEORIES

• AKKOL, M. L.

Abstract:

The basis of the paradigms Environmental Sociology uses roots in the 19th-century social thought. It is possible to elucidate the conceptions of the Classical Sociology theoreticians which constitute the basis for “Environmental Sociology”. Although ideas directly in relation to the environment were not included in the studies of Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber, it is possible to apply their paradigms to “Environmental Sociology”. Since Classical Sociology Theories take an important place in the basis of the Environmental Sociology thought and meaning framework, it is a correct approach to attempt to associate the sociological theories of Durkheim, Weber, and Marx with “Environmental Sociology” by reviewing them. The point which can be associated with the “environment” in the social theory of Durkheim is the fact that social solidarity and integration remain insufficient. The weakening of the individual’s bonds with the environment and nature can also be added to the weakening of the individual’s social and cultural bonds included in the anomie definition of Durkheim. Particularly, the Durkheimian paradigm is used to explain the environmental degradation and environmental change. Weber’s concepts of “Rationalisation”, “Official Rationality” and “Bureaucratic Monopoly Power” are used in the explanations of the reasons for environmental problems in Environmental Sociology. Considering Weber’s approaches together with environmental problems can be continued by adding capitalist interests. Another theoretician of Classical Sociology, Marx made an approach compatible with environmental consciousness when he mentioned “a social order which is reasonable, humane, ecologist and not alienated”. According to Marx, “capitalism” accelerates alienation and separation from nature. The humankind who has demonstrated total harmony with nature at the beginning gradually becomes distant from nature for the capitalist production and consumption system to be sustained.

SGEM Research areas:

• SOCIAL SCIENCES: Section Sociology and Social Work

Year:

2017

Type of Publication:

In Proceedings

Keywords:

Environmental Sociology; Classical Sociology Theories; Anomie; Capitalist Interests; Alienation

Volume:

17

SGEM Book title:

4th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences and Arts SGEM 2017

Book number:

3

SGEM Series:

International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences and Arts-SGEM

Pages:

11-16

Publisher address:

51 Alexander Malinov blvd, Sofia, 1712, Bulgaria

SGEM supporters:

Bulgarian Acad Sci; Acad Sci Czech Republ; Latvian Acad Sci; Polish Acad Sci; Russian Acad Sci; Serbian Acad Sci & Arts; Slovak Acad Sci; Natl Acad Sci Ukraine; Natl Acad Sci Armenia; Sci Council Japan; World Acad Sci; European Acad Sci, Arts & Letters; Ac

Period:

24 - 30 August 2017

ISBN:

978-619-7408-20-1

ISSN:

2367-5659

Conference:

4th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference on Social Sciences and Arts SGEM 2017, 24 - 30 August 2017

DOI:

10.5593/sgemsocial2017/33/S12.002