Environmental sociology blog

 My understanding of the close ties between Bhutanese culture and environmental preservation was greatly enhanced by learning about the Mandhog rite in Dagor. That cultural feelings like fear, faith, and respect (namtog, jignang, and gizhab) were so crucial to preserving nature fascinated me. It was thought that there would be severe repercussions, like as hailstorms or bad luck, if they damaged the environment without following the correct ceremonies. In addition to being superstitious, these ideas were a component of a framework that pushed people to treat the land with respect. It made me realize that cultural and spiritual values can function similarly to unwritten environmental regulations. Hearing that these customs are gradually vanishing, however, also worried me. Many individuals today simply give money to rituals rather than taking part in them with respect and understanding. This development indicates that we are losing a vital means of maintaining our connection t...

 I was struck by how environmental harm encompasses justice as well as pollution and deforestation. Although they have the least responsibility for environmental crimes like land grabs and illicit exploitation, indigenous populations frequently bear the brunt of these abuses. It helped me realize that safeguarding people, their culture, and their rights is just as important as preserving the environment. It is incredibly terrible to see indigenous land defenders criminalized for defending their own territory, and it emphasizes the need for more support and adherence to customary rules and customs. Additionally, I discovered that indigenous knowledge is extremely useful and ought to be incorporated into contemporary environmental solutions; it is neither out-of-date nor useless. They provide more sustainable methods of coexisting with environment through their traditional ecological knowledge and community-based monitoring. Real change, in my opinion, requires that we incorpora...

 I became aware of how closely people are related to other creatures and the natural world after learning about multispecies studies from both Buddhist and indigenous viewpoints. I thought it was fascinating that Buddhist beliefs and practices have long recognized multispecies interactions, even though the idea is frequently ascribed as a Western academic concept. The concept of La Dham or Ri-Dham, for instance, where specific regions are off-limits because of the presence of deities or spiritual energy, demonstrates a profound regard for sacred landscapes and non-human life. These prohibitions and limitations are measures to preserve peace between people and the environment, not merely religious precepts. The fact that animals like tigers are today exploited for financial gain after once being revered as spiritual beings struck me as profound. This demonstrates how capitalism has changed our perception of other animals, turning them from revered companions to consumer commodit...

 I now see the world differently after learning about the Buddhist perspective on the environment. I was particularly struck by the idea of interdependence since it demonstrates how interconnected everything is and how nothing exists in isolation. This is also related to the Buddhist concept of emptiness, which holds that objects merely exist in relation to other people and do not have a fixed or distinct self. This made it clearer to me how interdependent humans and nature are. Ignorance of this fact leads to more pain, including environmental disasters as well as emotional anguish. The Ten Virtuous Actions and Buddhism's ahimsa (non-harming) principle provide a solid ethical foundation to help us lessen harm to the environment and society. Buddhism's encouragement to behave with mindfulness and pure purpose in all that we do, even in seemingly simple ways like how we use food, water, or land, struck me as particularly potent. It made me realize that every decision had a...

 I've been thinking a lot about how we live and interact with nature since learning about the Buddhist approach to environmental sustainability. Buddhism holds that nothing exists in a vacuum and that everything is interconnected. I was able to comprehend that damaging the environment also damages humans thanks to the concept of dependent co-origination. Even rivers and mountains are revered as living things, and nature is considered sacrosanct. This point of view promotes resource mindfulness by reminding us to act compassionately toward all living things and to only take what we need. I also value how Buddhist ideals encourage non-violence, simplicity, and compassion for all living things. Sustainable living is naturally supported by the habit of living simply and causing as little harm as possible. But I've also discovered that contemporary practice doesn't always adhere to these ideals in their entirety, as seen in certain communities' lack of vegetarianism or...

 Humans, animals, gods, spirits, and well-being are all part of the cosmos. Humans are not kings; they are just one group of many sentient creatures. Mountains, rivers, and other natural features are revered as living things. In the worldview, the distinction between sentient and non-sentient becomes hazy. Dependent Co-origination: Interdependence of ecosystems Interconnection: all phenomena emerge in relation to one another; nothing exists independently. Ecological Insight: This idea emphasizes how closely nature and life are related. Ethical Grounding: Encourages thoughtful contemplation and ecological ethics Conventional Method: Conflicts and Criticisms Simple Monastic Life Although minimalism is frequently used to be environmentally sustainable, monks no longer follow this practice. Focus on Ethics Choices for harm reduction and compassion Gaps in Practice Animal liberation and vegetarianism combined with other forms of exploitation Anthropocentrism Senti...

 I've become more aware of how important it is for Indigenous and local communities, particularly women, to take the lead in advancing food and climate justice after learning about initiatives like La Via Campesina, Vandana, and the Maasai land defense. These communities are safeguarding their culture, identity, and future generations in addition to seeds and land. The way that Vandana Shiva advocates for women-led seed saving and organic farming while opposing large corporations that promote dangerous genetically engineered crops inspires me. The legal actions taken by the Maasai community to defend their ancestral lands demonstrate the variety of modes of resistance, from demonstrations to courtrooms. These tales serve as a reminder that food is about justice, voice, and dignity in addition to being a source of nourishment. By connecting the earth, culture, and spirit, the Buddhist concept of [Che Nang Sang Sum] (Mandala) opened my eyes to a new perspective on ecology. It re...

 I've learned that meaningful change needs to come from multiple angles at once after learning about intersectional solutions in ecology and agriculture. Collective farming and women's cooperatives are strong examples of how local communities, particularly women, may take the lead. These strategies support ecological farming, preserve seed diversity, and empower women economically. I believe that when women's voices are heard together, they may give their struggles more strength and visibility. It's encouraging to know that communities can develop varied, equitable, and sustainable farming systems when they collaborate and exchange knowledge. Meanwhile, I've realized that research needs to be decolonized. All too frequently, foreign scholars enter countries like Bhutan, utilize local expertise, and then depart with all the credit, leaving the society with very little benefit. This seems impolite and unfair. We ought to concentrate on developing original resea...

 Learning about Reproductive Labor Theory by Silvia Federici and Maria Mies helped me see how much important work happens at home, often without pay or recognition. Tasks like cooking, cleaning, taking care of children, and helping the sick are all part of what they call reproductive labor. These are jobs that many women do every day, and even though they are not paid, they keep families and society running. I began to notice how this happens in my own home—my mother works from early morning to night, making sure everyone is cared for, but her efforts often go unnoticed. I now see that unpaid caregiving is just as vital as paid employment thanks to this approach. Because someone is helping them at home, people can only work or study outside. It also caused me to wonder why women perform the majority of this type of labor and why it is not distributed more fairly. I became aware of gender inequity and realized how important it is to appreciate and value those who perform this typ...

 My perspective on the food we grow and consume has changed as a result of learning about the power dynamics in agriculture. The way large corporations are displacing small farmers, particularly women and Indigenous people, who have been cultivating the land for generations, is concerning. Healthy food and the environment are less important to these profit-driven institutions than money. It's unfortunate that, despite the availability of food, people in many places of the world go hungry because of an unjust system. I now realize that food is about more than just eating; it's also about justice, power, and decision-making authority. I see some of these similar issues beginning to emerge in Bhutan. Traditional grains like millet and buckwheat are grown by a large number of women farmers on tiny family farms in this area. However, as more attention is focused on producing goods like apples and potatoes for the market, these crops are being overlooked. I'm concerned tha...

 

           Two Prominent Feminist  I've been more aware of the significance of women's responsibilities after considering care and the environment. Women frequently approach care through empathy and close relationships, as demonstrated by Carol Gilligan's theories on emotional intelligence. Joan Tronto also discusses how women's unpaid labor, such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of others, is frequently disregarded despite the fact that it supports our families and communities. Ecofeminism demonstrates how important women are to preserving the environment, despite the fact that their work is frequently disregarded.     As I thought about these concepts, I also started to see how colonialism influenced how women's labor is viewed, particularly in colonized communities. Decolonial feminism reminds us to recognize the work and knowledge of all women and helps raise awareness of these challenges. This has motivated me to advocate ...

I learned from feminist political ecology (FPE) that environmental issues are not only about nature but also about people, particularly the discriminatory ways in which women are impacted. The majority of labor involving natural resources, such as gathering water, cultivating land, or gathering firewood, is performed by women in many locations. However, they are frequently excluded from important land or development choices. Women could be the first to experience issues like contaminated food or water, for instance, if a factory pollutes a river, yet their opinions are not taken into consideration during planning sessions. FPE demonstrates that different people have different experiences with environmental challenges. Even in the midst of a crisis like climate change, a poor village woman is more vulnerable than a wealthy guy in a city. This perspective also serves as a reminder that women are leaders in environmental protection, not merely victims. Women are at the forefront of many l...

The relationship between ecology, power, and plants is crucial in our increasingly urbanized environment. In the past, plantations like those in Jamaica exploited racialized labor for financial gain, transforming diverse landscapes into monocultures. Communities are continuously impacted by soil degradation and climate vulnerability as a result of colonization. Urban political ecology exposes how cities commercialize nature, frequently denying vulnerable populations access to natural places. The most vulnerable are left to suffer the most from pollution and climate concerns in cities like Johannesburg, where private water resources expose glaring disparities. We must promote environmental justice while navigating our metropolitan environments. Green places and pure water should be accessible to all. Comprehending these concerns is essential to building a more sustainable and just future for everybody.

  Plants as Resources of Power Sandalwood : Controlled trade creates networks of stakeholders, influencing local economies and environmental practices. Cultural Exchange Through Plants Cotton : British introduction transformed agriculture, bringing new technologies and reshaping cultural identities. Economic Power and Community Stakeholders Key stakeholders (farmers, officials, businesses) gain influence through wealth generated from plant resources, creating community disparities. Political Use of Plantations Establishing plantations often imposed control over native lands, marginalizing indigenous practices and knowledge. Kinship Development in Workplaces Plantations foster kinship, leading to marriages and strong community ties, enhancing social cohesion. Migration and Climate Adaptation Migration linked to agricultural practices and climate conditions reflects human adaptation to environmental changes. Plants as Resources of Power Example: Sandalwood The trade of sandalwood in ...

  The Imperial weight  of Tea : Key Insights on the Impact of Tea Cultivation in Colonial Assam My perspective on tea has evolved after learning about its history in Kenya and India. I now realize that tea has a troubled past, but I used to think it was just a typical beverage. Locals' land was taken by the British and used for tea plantations. Many were compelled to work in extremely difficult conditions after losing their homes. The concept of "blood tea" in Kenya demonstrates how this past continues to have an impact today. Even new tea varieties, such as purple tea, appear to be more concerned with making money than supporting regional producers. This caused me to reflect more thoroughly on the origins of commonplace items.An extensive history of injustice and misery can be encapsulated in a simple cup of tea. Who grew this, and are they getting fair treatment, I wonder now? I am now more conscious and cautious about what I use and purchase as a result of this edu...