Environmental Politics, Sustainability and Social Science

Argues that the emerging social science literature on sustainability has a valuable practical contribution to make to the future of human society, linking values discourse & scientific practice, & political theory & policy making. Problems with economism -- the sociopolitical worldview dominating the contemporary world -- are identified, & some of its presumptions challenged. The notion of sustainability is discussed in terms of its environmental & resource dimensions, & methods for advancing sustainability analysis as an intellectual (& implicitly political) venture are outlined. The political economy of sustainability is examined, & implications of adopting a sustainable approach to environmental policy for the objectives of the "American dream" are considered. 30 References. K. Hyatt Stewart