8. Social Construction of Nature Flashcards
Social construction means
that many things we see as “natural” or “normal” are actually shaped by people’s ideas, beliefs, and choices. It shows that our understanding of the world is influenced by society, not just by nature or facts alone.
Constructivist means
A constructivist is someone who focuses on how our understanding of the world is shaped by ideas, beliefs, and social practices. They tend to ask questions about where these ideas come from and how they affect what we think is real or true.
Nature meaning
Nature The natural world, everything
that exists that is not a product of
human activity;
Social context means
The ensemble of social relations, beliefs, economic systems, and rules in a specific place and time. It shapes how people live, think, and interact with each other.
Race…
A set of imaginary categories way of grouping people, usually based on skin color or body features. These ideas about race can change depending on culture, place, and time in history.
Examples of Social Construction of Nature
- The Concept of “Pristine Wilderness”: The idea that certain landscapes, especially in the Americas, were untouched by humans before European colonization, despite evidence of significant indigenous land use and modification.
- The Concept of “Natural Resources”: The idea that certain resources (like forests, minerals, or water) are simply natural commodities to be exploited, ignoring the social, cultural, and historical relationships that shape how they are used and valued.
- Land Ownership and Property Rights: The idea that land can be “owned” and controlled, which is a socially constructed concept not always applicable to indigenous cultures, where land is seen as a communal or sacred resource.
- Environmental Categories (e.g., “Invasive Species”): The classification of certain species as “invasive” or “alien” based on human-defined notions of what is “native” or “natural,” which may vary across cultures and contexts.
Environmental discourse
refers to how certain ideas about nature and the environment become widely accepted or taken for granted. It involves narratives (stories), concepts (ideas), ideologies (value-laden worldviews), and signifying practices (ways of communication like media and scientific papers).
Discourse
Discourse refers to both written and spoken communication. Its more than just representing the material world and suggests that statements are influenced by power and help shape the world we live in.
Narrative
A narrative is a story with a clear beginning and end. Environmental narratives, like “biological evolution” and “the tragedy of the commons,” help us understand and shape our view of the world.
Concept
Concept A single idea, usually captured
in a word or a phrase
Ideologies
Ideologies are value-based worldviews that explain how the world is and how it should be.
Signifying practices
are the methods of representation and techniques used to tell stories, explain concepts, and communicate ideologies.
The discourse of North African desertification
The main point of the passage is that the idea of desertification in North Africa, especially the Sahara, is based on misconceptions and assumptions from the colonial era, not modern science. The story that the region was once a forest ruined by overgrazing was used to justify colonial control over land. However, current scientific evidence shows that this idea is wrong, and the desertification story was more about supporting political and colonial interests than reflecting the real history of the land.
“The Trouble with Wilderness,”
William Cronon critiques the concept of wilderness, arguing it’s a social construct tied to Western cultures. Originally seen as a desolate place, wilderness became valued in the U.S. as untouched beauty. However, many “wild” areas were managed by Indigenous peoples before European settlers arrived. Creating wilderness often involved displacing these people. Cronon also warns that focusing only on wilderness in environmentalism ignores other important areas needing protection. He calls for a more honest examination of how social power shapes our understanding of nature.
The Limits of Constructivism: Science
Critics of constructivism worry that it challenges science’s ability to find objective truths, leading to concerns about relativism. Traditionally, science was seen as a way to uncover universal truths about the world. However, constructivists argue that scientific knowledge is shaped by social and historical factors. For example, research on primates has reflected societal biases. Despite this, science still helps support environmental goals, like studying pollution and climate change. The challenge is balancing science as a method for discovering truths with the idea that it’s influenced by society.
Relativism
Relativism is the belief that knowledge, truth, and morality are not absolute but are shaped by social, cultural, historical, or personal contexts. According to relativism, what is considered true or right can vary depending on these factors. In its stronger form, relativism suggests that no universal truths exist, and all statements are only true within their specific context. In its weaker form, relativism acknowledges that while truth and knowledge are influenced by context, there can still be some objective truths.
The Limits of Constructivism: Science, Relativism and the Material World
The passage discusses the limits of constructivism, which argues that knowledge is socially constructed. It highlights two concerns: 1) The challenge of science, as constructivism questions whether science reveals objective truths or just socially influenced perspectives. 2) The risk of relativism, where knowledge becomes seen as entirely subjective, making it hard to take reliable action. It suggests a balance where science can still reveal important truths, even though it’s shaped by society, and introduces the idea of co-production, where both humans and the environment shape each other.
