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“We are Nature”: Exploring Ecovillagers’ Perceptions of Nature and Uses of Technology

Wight, Robert Alan
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1216753651

Abstract Details

2008, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Sociology.
This case-study investigates the morals, values, ideas, and actions of people living in environmentally oriented communities. Known as ecovillages, these intentional communities represent an incredible storehouse of valuable information for how humans can peacefully interact and use the natural environment in a way that is mutually beneficial for both parties. Environmental sociologists need to study these cooperative social formations to help our larger society understand, adapt, and change some fundamental aspects of our culture. This call to research is important because many contemporary human societies are now coming face to face with the consequences of their industrial, consumer driven, and environmentally degrading lifestyles. All life on earth, including humanity would benefit if our species adopted a new framework from which to view the natural environment, and our relationship to it. Using semi-structured interviews, I met with 18 members of three Ohio and Kentucky ecovillages. I assess what “nature” means to the ecovillagers and compared their perceptions with past and present perceptions as a way to understand both the continuity and novelty of their worldviews. I also investigate how their alternative, simple, and yet at times technologically advanced communities deal with the environmental issues facing humanity at the dawn of the 21st century.
Kelly Moore, Dr. (Committee Chair)
Rhys Williams, Dr. (Committee Member)
Steve Carlton-Ford, Dr. (Other)
67 p.
Earth; Ecology; Sociology; Technology
Ecovillages; Sustainable Culture; Nature - Culture Divide; Environmental Sociology; Social Movements

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wight, R. A. (2008). “We are Nature”: Exploring Ecovillagers’ Perceptions of Nature and Uses of Technology [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1216753651

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wight, Robert. “We are Nature”: Exploring Ecovillagers’ Perceptions of Nature and Uses of Technology. 2008. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1216753651.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wight, Robert. "“We are Nature”: Exploring Ecovillagers’ Perceptions of Nature and Uses of Technology." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1216753651

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1216753651
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© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.