Ecological Modernisation Theory in Debate: A Review

In: Environmental politics, Band 9, Heft 1, S. 17-49

Abstract

Reviews the various debates in which ecological modernization theory has been engaged, starting with a historical perspective on some of the earlier debates that paralleled ecological modernization from its birth in the early 1980s to its maturation. Initial debates with earlier neo-Marxists & deindustrialization/counterproductivity theorists were formative for ecological modernization theory, but are no longer all of similar relevance today; more contemporary discussions only to some extent reflect similar topics. Constructivists & postmodernists are confronted on the material foundation of social theory, controversies with ecocentrists on radical vs reformist environmental reforms are refined, & social inequalities in environmental problems & reform are viewed through a neo-Marxist lens. 83 References. Adapted from the source document.