Ecological Identity: Becoming a Reflective Environmentalist

By Thomash and Mitchell Thomashow

Book Overview

Through theoretical discussion as well as hands-on participatory learning approaches, Thomashow provides concerned citizens, teachers, and students with the tools needed to become reflective environmentalists.

Mitchell Thomashow, a preeminent educator, shows how environmental studies can be taught from different perspective, one that is deeply informed by personal reflection. Through theoretical discussion as well as hands-on participatory learning approaches, Thomashow provides concerned citizens, teachers, and students with the tools needed to become reflective environmentalists. What do I know about the place where I live? Where do things come from? How do I connect to the earth? What is my purpose as a human being? These are the questions that Thomashow identifies as being at the heart of environmental education. Developing a profound sense of oneself in relationship to natural and social ecosystems is necessary grounding for the difficult work of environmental advocacy. In this book he provides a clear and accessible guide to the learning experiences that accompany the construction of an "ecological identity" using the direct experience of nature as a framework for personal decisions, professional choices, political action, and spiritual inquiry. Ecological Identity covers the different types of environmental thought and activism (using John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, and Rachel Carson as environmental archetypes, but branching out into ecofeminism and bioregionalism), issues of personal property and consumption, political identity and citizenship, and integrating ecological identity work into environmental studies programs. Each chapter has accompanying learning activities such as the Sense of Place Map, a Community Network Map, and the Political Genogram, most of which can be carried out on an individual basis. Although people from diverse backgrounds become environmental activists and enroll in environmental studies programs, they are rarely encouraged to examine their own history, motivations, and aspirations. Thomashow's approach is to reveal the depth of personal experience that underlies contemporary environmentalism and to explore, interpret, and nurture the learning spaces made possible when people are moved to contemplate their experience of nature.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0262700638
• ISBN13: 9780262700634
• Release Date: August 1996
• Publisher: MIT Press
• Length: 250 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Reflections of a Thoughtful Environmentalist

Author Mitchell Thomashow,Professor of Environmental Studies at Antioch New England Graduate School present a a scholarly perspective of what it really means to be a "Reflective Environmentalist." In presenting his case, he provides the reader with a solid historical foundation for Environmental Studies, including colorful biographical sketches of ecological pioneers such as Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Rachael Carson,and David Brower. Thomashow integrates his own personal observations and revelations of the Natural World with his extensive teaching experiences, thus providing a varied and thoughtful perspective of what is means to establish, and re-create a unique "Ecological Identity." Anyone who reads this book can not help but be inspired to delve further into the ecological literature...and especially to expand their knowledge to establish a deeper relationship with Nature. Well researched, interesting, and intellectualy stimulating! Elliott Maynard, Ph.D., President, Arcos Cielos Research Center, Sedona, Arizona.

Eco-Awakenings

Thoughtfully written, and carefully capturing the wonder of his learners --- and their nurturing teacher --- "Ecological Identity" is a superb book. Although the prose can be a little slow at times, the arguments are cogently presented and the style is generally helpful and lucid.Beginners will enjoy this journey that Thomashow leads, and find the exercise well worthwhile. But this book is by no means only for the neophyte. Long-time environmentalists, eco-activists, or simply environmentally concerned readers will find a wealth of new insights each and every time they return. This is a book you will read again and still find small treasures and new directions to explore.It's not easy being concerned for the environment or keeping a sustainable outlook life in a consumption-prone, techno-rah-rah society. Yet this is exactly the kind of contradiction swirling around and festering within each and every one of us. Learning to identify these contradictions, embrace them, and move beyond them is a formidable task. Explored so well in these chapters, Thomashow again and again strives to break through these contradictions. He leads the reader along on the quest to develop wider and wider circles of identification while simultaneously exploring one's individuality. The journey is a long one, but with guides like the author, it is a path well worth taking.

Ecological Identity: Becoming a Reflective Environmentalist

Clearly and concisely written, the author deftly probes psychology, sociology, and the multifaceted history of environmental thought, activism, and theory.The book is a deeply compassionate, insightful discussion that helps environmentalists reflect upon their motivations and resolve internal struggles. A "must read" for all trying to balance realism and the accompanying pain of loss (when viewing the ecological destruction happening around us) with the optimism necessary to keep on fighting positively for societal change. This book could serve as a guiding text for an environmental discussion group, or for opening communications and building community understanding and consensus in the face of conflict.