Types of Ecologism (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Introduction to types of ecologism

• Ecologism is not a single, unified ideology

• Different strands of ecologism disagree over:

  • the relationship between humans and nature

  • the role of the state

  • whether environmental protection requires reform or radical change

Deep green ecologism

• Deep green ecologism argues that nature has intrinsic value and should be protected for its own sake, regardless of human interests

Deep green ecologists believe in

• Ecocentrism

  • All species have inherent value

  • Humans are not superior to the natural world

• Radical ecological limits

  • Human domination of nature has been environmentally destructive

  • Nature should be prioritised over human economic interests

• Critique of industrialisation and technology

  • Industrial society promotes consumerism and environmental damage

  • The mechanistic worldview should be rejected

• Low-impact lifestyles

  • Anti-consumerist and sustainable living is essential

• Systemic change

  • Profound social and cultural transformation is required for ecological survival

Key thinkers (deep green ecologism)

Shallow green ecologism

• Shallow green ecologism takes a reformist approach, seeking to protect the environment while operating within existing economic and political systems

Shallow green ecologists believe in

• Reform within capitalism

  • Environmental protection can occur within current systems

  • Often referred to as green capitalism

• Regulation and legislation

  • Environmental laws can control pollution and resource use

• Technological solutions

  • Innovation can reduce environmental harm

  • More accepting of the mechanistic worldview

• Incremental change

  • Practical and gradual improvements are preferred

Key thinkers (shallow green ecologism)

Social ecology (eco-socialism, eco-anarchism, eco-feminism)

• Social ecology links environmental degradation to social structures such as hierarchy, capitalism and patriarchy, arguing that ecological problems cannot be solved without social transformation

Social ecologists believe that

• Ecology and social justice are interconnected

  • Sustainable outcomes require community participation

• Hierarchy and capitalism cause environmental damage

  • Nature is treated as a commodity under capitalist systems

Key strands within social ecology

Eco-socialism

• Capitalism, including green capitalism, is inherently environmentally destructive

• Collective public ownership of natural resources is required

Eco-anarchism

• Environmental damage results from power hierarchies

• Voluntary cooperation in self-managed communities is needed

Eco-feminism

• Environmental domination stems from patriarchal worldviews

• Nature has historically been treated as a resource to exploit

• A new relationship with nature is required

Key thinkers (social ecology)

Ecologism and the four themes

What do ecologists think about the four themes?