An engaging, well-organized, and comprehensive treatment of the core issues in environmental sociology. Carolan s conversational style and pragmatic focus will help students connect with the subject. Richard York, University of Oregon
Carolan masterfully presents complex environmental problems (and their solutions) in a concise and lucid manner that will hold students attention and spur many good class discussions without becoming overwhelming. This excellent text could form the backbone for any course in environmental sociology, and should be considered for environmental / sustainability courses outside of sociology as well. Stephanie McSpirit, Eastern Kentucky University
"Society and the Environment" examines today s environmental controversies within a socio-organizational context. After outlining the contours of pragmatic environmentalism, Carolan considers the pressures that exist where ecology and society collide. He investigates how various ecological issues, such as climate change, are affecting public health and he drills into the social/structural dynamicsincluding political economy and the international legal systemthat create ongoing momentum for environmental ills. This interdisciplinary text features a three-part chapter structure that covers fast facts about the issue at hand, examines the wide-ranging implications, and offers balanced consideration of possible real-world solutions.
The second edition is updated with expanded discussions of fracking, inequality, problem-specific health consequences, and the sociological dimensions to environmental problemsthe institutions of society, their interrelationships, and how they socially and culturally define our meaning of nature, resources, and environment. New Movement Matters boxes also help to showcase grassroots movements that have affected legislation. With more features to help solidify core concepts, discussion questions, and key terms to enhance the text s usefulness, "Society and the Environment" is the perfect learning tool for courses on environmental sociology.
Michael Carolan is a faculty affiliate of the School of Global Environmental Sustainability, member of the executive board of the One Health Institute, professor of sociology, chair of the Sociology Department, and associate dean for research at Colorado State University, where he teaches courses in environmental sociology, the sociology of food and agriculture, and social theory. His books include "The Real Cost of Cheap Food," "Reclaiming Food Security," and "Cheaponomics," in addition to publishing over 100 peer-reviewed articles.
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