Sociology Marxist Ecologism

Although ecologism is rapidly developing into a political ideology in its own right, its widespread acceptance and influence continues to rely on its relationship with other, existing ideologies. One of the most important, and influential, of the 'isms' is Marxism, and the link between it and ecologism is increasingly becoming the subject of academic and political study. This is especially true within the field of environmental sociology, where the Marxist perspective's ability to address the issues of ecologism and sustainability is the root of growing debate and analysis.

Ecologism, which according to Andrew Dobson, "holds that a sustainable and fulfilling existence presupposes radical changes in our relationship with the non-human natural world, and in our mode of social and political life" (2), is a relatively new arrival to the field of environmental politics. Only a few decades ago, environmental and ecological issues, such as global warming, genetically modified food, or acid rain were known to only a select group of scientists. Today, however, these and many other problems have become a part of common knowledge and have been incorporated into everyday language. As a result, a growing number of individuals and groups have sought to understand the underlying causes of these issues, in order to work towards possible solutions. This explosion of 'green' interest has focussed not only on the most obvious environmental causes of ecological damage, but has increasingly turned its attention to the study of economic and political concerns, and the potential contribution that can be made by existing political ideologies. Although comparative studies continue to examine the possible contributions of conservatism, liberalism, and

This enthusiasm and surety in its beliefs is equally apparent in the Marxist analysis of ecologism as it is in its dealings with any other issue. Founded upon the ideology's central tenets of class conflict, dialectical and historical materialism, and exploitation, Marxism, not surprisingly, places the blame for the world's environmental degradation firmly at the door of capitalism.
It is true that many commentators, from a wide range of political ideologies, have pointed out the responsibility and blame that must be attached to industry for the increasing levels of environmental decay. Marxism, however, distinguishes between industry and the true culprit - capitalism. The Marxist view is that industry itself is incapable of causing the present levels of degradation, but rather it is capitalism's 'use' of industry, in its endless thirst for profit, that lies at the root of the current problems. By concentrating on profit rather than need, and by its continuing global expansion, capitalism's cycle of production and consumerism has necessarily led to many periods of overproduction and, therefore, the associated degradation and destruction of nature and natural resources. This has led many Marxist commentators to claim that, eventually, capitalist production will result not only in further environmental problems, but also in capitalism's own demise. James O'Connor explains this as, " the combined power of…