Making Political Ecology presents a comprehensive view of an important new field in human geography and interdisciplinary studies of nature-society relations. Tracing the development of political ecology from its origins in geography and ecological anthropology in the 1970s, to its current status as an established field, the book investigates how late twentieth-century developments in social and ecological theories are brought together to create a powerful framework for comprehending environmental problems.
Making Political Ecology argues for an inclusionary conceptualization of the field, which absorbs empirical studies from urban, rural, First World and Third World contexts and the theoretical insights of feminism, poststructuralism, neo-Marxism and non-equilibrium ecology. Throughout the book, excerpts from the writings of key figures in political ecology provide an empirical grounding for abstract theoretical concepts.
Making Political Ecology will convince readers of political ecology's particular suitability for grappling with the most difficult questions concerning social justice, environmental change and human relationships with nature.
Introduction: The Vitality and Promise of Political EcologyOriginals and Development of Political EcologyEnvironment and DevelopmentPolitical Ecology of Nature ConservationAdvances and Retreats in Biological EcologyFeminist Political EcologyEnvironment PoliticsNew Questions, New Direction in Political EcologyConclusion'An excellent book - clear focus, good survey of literature.'
Dr R Elmhurst, University of Brighton
The goal of this series (hence the slightly awkward title) is to provide a critical overview and assessment of major conceptual streams in hlst