Environmental Realism and Social Constructivism

Realistic Environmental
The philosophy of environmental realism, which is sometimes associated with naturalism, maintains that the environment exists apart from social constructions and human perception. It implies that despite cultural interpretations and human ideas, nature and the physical world contain innate qualities and realities. In this perspective, the natural world is viewed as external, autonomous, and quantifiable, emphasizing the objective reality of environmental conditions. Since environmental realism views these problems as actual, palpable occurrences that need to be addressed, it frequently concentrates on topics like biodiversity loss, climate change, and conservation. For examples from Bhutanese contexts, waste management in urban areas programs like “Zero Waste Bhutan” and municipal waste segregation efforts are realistic approaches to managing increasing urban waste. These initiatives aim for achievable goals rather than idealized zero-impact living.

Social constructionism

On the other hand, social constructionism asserts that historical, social, and cultural factors influence how people see their surroundings. This viewpoint holds that language, social norms, and shared beliefs all play a role in the construction of our conceptions of nature and the environment. Social constructionists contend that social norms, beliefs, and ideologies have a significant impact on what we consider to be "natural." Our current environmental challenges are recognized as socially created concerns that are impacted by society structures, power dynamics, and cultural perspectives in addition to being physical occurrences. For instance, Bhutanese culture, certain natural elements—like mountains, rivers, and forests—are believed to be the homes of local deities or spirits (nekhor, lu, etc.). These beliefs are socially constructed through religious and cultural narratives, influencing how people interact with and protect the environment.