Blog #10

What is Social Ecology? What are your reactions to the readings? What forms of hierarchy are in our world today? Are these hierarchies natural? Are there any better alternatives?

             Through what I have gained from the text, social ecology is the understanding and recognition that environmental problems arise from social issues. Some people find this a degrading perspective on the environment, believing there are more pressing reasons to protect our resources and Earth; however, social opportunities are the main interaction and communication between people to share opinions, ideas, beliefs, regulations, ect. Social ecology attributes this communication and its ineffectiveness to the creation of a class hierarchy within nations and across the globe. Developed nation vs developing nation struck me as the most prominent hierarchy that currently exists in the world and that is having the most profound impact on the environment.
            These hierarchies are not natural in the evolutionary standpoint of natural selection, genetics, ancestry or mutations that can allow a species or individual to have more success, reproductive or otherwise, and dominate another. However, in a system founded on economic principles, as ours is, it is natural. While I do believe that every person should be on an even playing field, I feel that this understanding can be held by every individual on a personal level and simply not be measured by wealth or status. Every role is important, but unfortunately every role will not reap the same rewards. It only takes the satisfaction of the individual with their own life, belongings, ect. to see that the hierarchy isn’t as defined. The hierarchy doesn’t have to be destroyed, just its perception.