9.7 Conclusion
Social movements can reflect responses to a myriad of social problems. This chapter has focused on some social problems and movements associated with our increasing ecological challenges. We first introduced how sociologists examine social movements. Next, we explored the specific social-environmental issues that sociology identifies, such as environmental racism and environmental inequality. Then, we examined the perspectives and actions that are currently shaping environmental social movements. Finally, we took a close look at how Indigenous led environmental movements are protecting the natural world and in turn protecting Indigenous knowledge that can support our existence as environmental changes advance.
9.7.1 Review of Learning Outcomes
This chapter offered you the opportunity to:
- Identify how sociologists study social movements
- Discuss how sociologists study society and the environment?
- Examine how social movements reshape perspectives and improve lived experiences for members of societies.
- Demonstrate how social movements correct injustice and support social and environmental resilience?
9.7.2 Key Terms
alternative movements are focused on self-improvement and limited, specific changes to individual beliefs and behavior. These include trends like transcendental meditation or a macrobiotic diet.
biocentrism is a philosophy that extends equal and inherent value to all living beings.
climate change: the long-term shifts in temperatures due to human activity and, in particular, the release of greenhouse gasses into the environment.
environmental inequality: the fact that low-income people and people of color are disproportionately likely to experience the impacts of environmental problems.
environmental justice: the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
environmental sociology: the study of the interaction between human behavior and the natural and physical environment.
frontier ethic assumes that the earth has an unlimited supply of resources. If resources run out in one area, more can be found elsewhere or alternatively human ingenuity will find substitutes.
racism: the process by which systems and policies, actions and attitudes create inequitable opportunities and outcomes for people based on race.
reform movements—movements that seek to change something specific about the social structure.
religious/redemptive movements—“meaning seeking,” movements.Their goal is to provoke inner change or spiritual growth in individuals.
resistance movements—movements that seek to prevent or undo change to the social structure.
resource mobilization theory—a way to explain movement success in terms of the ability to acquire resources and mobilize individuals.
revolutionary movements—movements that seek to completely change every aspect of society.
social movement — the mobilization of large numbers of people to work together to achieve a social goal or address a social problem.
sustainability– the sociopolitical, scientific, and cultural challenges of living within the means of the earth without significantly impairing its function.
9.7.3 Licenses and Attributions for Conclusion
“Conclusion” by Aimee Samara Krouskop is licensed under CC BY 4.0.