Summary
Contents
Subject index
This accomplished book argues that we can only make sense of environmental issues if we consider them as part of a more encompassing process of social transformation. It asks whether there is an emerging consensus between social scientists on the central issues in the debate on environmental change, and if concerns about the environment constitute a major prop to the process of globalization? The book provides a thorough discussion of the central themes in environmental sociology, identifying two traditions: ecological modernization theory and risk society theory.
Political Modernization Theory and Environmental Politics
Political Modernization Theory and Environmental Politics
Introduction
Since the 1970s environmental issues have widely been recognized as important political issues, a growing concern paralleled by the gradual institutionalization of environmental politics. During these years there was a great optimism to solve (urgent) environmental problems with technical measures and legislation. To clean up the most threatening environmental problems, such as water pollution, air pollution, waste and noise, end-of-pipe technologies were used. The policy response to this upsurge involved legislation and the creation of ministries and other administrative bodies dealing with environmental problems. A common feature of substantive environmental policy in Western European countries in the 1970s was the use of traditional administrative regulatory strategies. Policy making relied to a large ...
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