Rethinking Nature Relations: Beyond Binaries(Rethinking Research and Theory series)

This incisive book explores the implications of the nature–culture binary and how it impacts the ways in which we think about nature. Bringing together and building on extensive work from varied fields, E. C. H. Keskitalo maps the many understandings of nature across diverse traditions and histories, and demonstrates that nature relations must be understood in connection to power. Focusing on five key binaries – nature–culture, urban–rural, productivism–landscape, leisure–work, and wilderness–civilization – the book unpacks how discussions and conceptions of nature shape our actions towards nature. It examines the role of classification and categorisation in language, and reflects on how to limit the overuse of natural resources. Looking beyond theory, Keskitalo examines the practical implications of understandings of nature relations on key topics including property systems, globalisation, planning, and management. Rethinking Nature Relations will be an accessible entry point for students and scholars in the social and natural sciences to begin critically examining nature relations. It will also be an invaluable resource for those working in environmental policy, sociology, geography, and development studies.

Table of Contents:
Contents: 1. Introduction: rethinking nature relations beyond binaries 2. Classification and dichotomy 3. Deconstructing understandings of nature 4. Nature and use as multi-locality: neither urban nor rural 5. Nature as multi-use: neither productivism nor landscape 6. Nature use as multi-identity: neither leisure nor work 7. Nature and nature use as multi-interest: neither wilderness nor conflict-free 8. Possibilities for understanding and continuing land-use culture 9. Implications for conceptions of management and planning: beyond a private and common property contradiction 10. Conclusion: we were never Western References Index

About the Author :
E. C. H. Keskitalo, Professor of Political Science, Department of Geography, Umeå University, Sweden

Review :
‘So many environmental problems stem from seeing humans as distinct from nature. This perceptive book critically interrogates the nature-human divide, encouraging us to move beyond binary thinking as a route to environmental wellbeing. All who wrestle with humanity’s place on Earth and the intellectual foundations of environmentalism will benefit from this careful and clear-eyed book.’