Groundbreaking book that examines the essential contribution of the social sciences to understanding and conserving biodiversity across the globe

Authored by leading scholars at the nexus of social science and biodiversity conservation,Conservation Social Science addresses the growing realization that biodiversity conservation is, at heart, a social phenomenon. Threats to biological diversity are influenced by a wide range of political, economic and cultural factors. The conservation of biodiversity is conceived and carried out by people. Biodiversity conservation is a manifestation of human beliefs and values. Choices about which species and habitats to conserve, how to prioritize efforts, and how to conserve them are inherently social with consequences not just for wildlife but also human lives and livelihoods.

Key topics covered in this thought-provoking text include: An introduction to key social science disciplines and how each field specifically relates to biodiversity conservation How to make social sciences an integral part of conservation strategies and initiatives How social science theories and analytic approaches can explain and help predict patterns of human behavior How biodiversity conservation as a ubiquitous societal phenomenon can provide insights into human society in general

Conservation Social Science is an essential, one-of-a-kind survey of novel approaches to explaining and fostering more effective, just, and enduring conservation of biodiversity. It is academically rigorous and comprehensive in scope, yet sufficiently nontechnical and concise to be accessible to a global audience of students, faculty, and environmental professionals and policymakers.

Daniel C. Miller, PhD is Associate Professor of Environmental Policy at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.

Ivan R. Scales, PhD is Associate Professor in Geography at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Michael B. Mascia, PhD is Senior Scientist and Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, USA.

List of Contributors ix

Foreword xi

Acknowledgements xiii

Abbreviations and Acronyms xv

1 Introduction: Biodiversity Conservation and the Social Sciences 1Ivan R. Scales, Daniel C. Miller, and Michael B. Mascia

2 Social Science Foundations 21Katie Moon and Deborah Blackman

3 Anthropology and Conservation 49Diane Russell and C. Anne Claus

4 Economics and Conservation 99Stephen Polasky

5 Human Geography and Conservation 139Ivan R. Scales and William M. Adams

6 Political Science and Conservation 185Daniel C. Miller and Arun Agrawal

7 Psychology and Conservation 233Olin Eugene Myers Jr.

8 Sociology and Conservation 289Jennifer Swanson, Steven R. Brechin, and J. Timmons Roberts

9 Conclusion: Toward Better Conversations about Conservation 335Daniel C. Miller, Ivan R. Scales, and Michael B. Mascia

Glossary 349

Index 353