Ecological Politics in an Age of Risk - by Ulrich Beck (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Ecological Politics in and Age of Risk by Ulrich Beck is an original analysis of ecological politics as one part of a renewed engagement with the domain of sub-politics.

From the Back Cover

'This book develops a number of themes introduced in Beck's previous best-selling Risk Society as well as initiating a set of new departures. Instead of posing 'good' social movements against 'bad' institutions, he proposes a transformation of the institutions themselves, of science, and of business, so that organized irresponsibility can be changed into a sort of democratic accountability. This book will be of interest not just to sociologists and academics, but to scientist, to business men and women, to those involved with (or affect by) the new reproductive technologies, and to people in the institutions of local, national and supra-national politics and public life.'
--Professor Scott Lash, Lancaster University

Ecological politics has moved to the centre of the political stage today. But what motivates ecological concerns? How should we understand "nature" when nothing around us seems "natural" anymore? How should we interpret, and react to, the risks we now face in respect of the "environment"?

This book, which created a massive public debate when first published in Germany, analyses these issues in a way that is new and very different from the conventional literature.

Drawing upon ideas developed in his celebrated work, Risk Society, Beck establishes the foundations of an original and far-reaching analysis of modern politics. Ecological concerns as ordinarily understood, he shows, are only one part of a renewed engagement with the domain of "sub-politics" generated by the social and technological changes affecting our lives in a much more revolutionary way than anything emanating from the formal political sphere.

This pathbreaking work will be of interest to all students and professionals in the areas of political theory, sociology and ecological studies.

Review Quotes

"This is an extremely complex debate written by a leading German sociologist. The issues are thought-provoking...those who take their debate on the theory of society should find this book fascinating." (TEG News)

"Wide-ranging...it is likely to appeal to social scientists with a broad range of specialisms, and is novel in the connections it makes between seemingly disparate issues.... Beck's prose can be almost poetic in places, his passion about his subject is inspiring and his work indicates many directions for future research. Ecological Politics in an Age of Risk is a challenging and enjoyable book which deserves to be read widely." (British Journal of Sociology)

"An interesting book offering a stimulating argument." (Political Studies)

"A "must-read" for those interested in national or international environmental isues, specifically hazardous waste management." (Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management)

"Stimulating and provocative." (Environmental Values)

About the Author

Ulrich Beck is Professor of Sociology at the University of Munich.