A LevelPoliticsEdexcelRevision Notes2. UK Government & Non-Core Political Ideas2.6 EcologismEcologist Thinkers & Ideas

Ecologist Thinkers & Ideas (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Exam code: 9PL0

Sarra Jenkins

Written by: Sarra Jenkins

Reviewed by: Lisa Eades

Updated on

Core/cross-strand ecologist thinkers

Aldo Leopold

Land ethic and ecological responsibility

Rachel Carson

Environmental harm and regulation

E.F. Schumacher

Appropriate technology and post-materialism

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Key ideas

  • Developed the land ethic

  • Humans are part of the ecological community

  • Moral responsibility extends to soil, water, plants and animals

  • Emphasised stewardship and sustainability

Key ideas

  • Exposed ecological damage caused by pesticides

  • Highlighted links between industrial practices and environmental harm

  • Argued for regulation and environmental responsibility

Key ideas

  • Promoted appropriate technology

  • Criticised consumerism and growth-based economics

  • Advocated human-scale, sustainable development

  • Prioritised quality of life over material wealth

Social ecology–focused thinkers

Murray Bookchin

Social ecology and hierarchy

Carolyn Merchant

Eco-feminism and patriarchy

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Key ideas

  • Linked environmental destruction to social hierarchy and capitalism

  • Developed social ecology

  • Advocated decentralised, democratic ecological communities

  • Influenced eco-anarchism

Key ideas

  • Linked environmental exploitation to patriarchal worldviews

  • Critiqued the mechanistic worldview of nature

  • Developed eco-feminist perspectives

  • Argued for a new relationship between humans and nature

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Author
Reviewer
Sarra Jenkins

Author: Sarra Jenkins

Expertise: Content Writer

Sarra is a highly experienced A-Level Politics educator with over two decades of teaching and examining experience. She was part of the team that wrote the Edexcel 2017 Politics Specification and currently works as a Senior Examiner. A published author of 14 textbooks and revision guides, her expertise lies in UK and US politics, exam skills, and career guidance. She continues to teach, driven by her passion for this "evolving and dynamic subject".

Lisa Eades

Reviewer: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.