How do the conservative, liberal, and radical left points of view define environmental problems? Which view is most optimistic?

Which is the most pessimistic? How does each point of view define solutions to many of the environmental problems discussed in the chapter?

What is an Ideal response?


• Radical-Left View: The natural environment is in serious danger due to capitalism's ever-increasing appetite for growth and profits. Under the current economic and political system, the natural environment is likely to experience eventual collapse.
• Liberal View: The natural environment is in danger. Both increasing pollution and the rapid use of natural resources including freshwater threaten people now and present societal patterns are not sustainable.
• Conservative View: There are challenges but problems can be solved. Although humanity has created pollution and consumed natural resources, it has shown itself capable of devising new, "clean" technologies as well as alternative forms of energy.

Sociology

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Since the end of the Cold War, __________ has sold well over $100 billion worth of weapons abroad

A) Cuba B) England C) Russia D) the United States

Sociology

From which of the following theories is a middleman minority theory least likely to draw inspiration?

A. ecological theories B. assimilation theories C. split-class theories D. split-labor market theories

Sociology

Who argues that capitalism succeeds so well because it meets basic needs?

a. Evolutionary theorists b. Conflict theorists c. Structural functionalists d. Symbolic interactionists

Sociology

Which of the following describes rational choice theory’s characterization of people’s actions?

a. People act when motivated by a stimulus. b. People act toward immediate gratification. c. People act through accordance with social or cultural defined rules. d. People consider the availability of resources when acting.

Sociology