The Social Transformation of Nature: A Comparative Analysis of the Siberian and American Experiences
Graduation Date
1974
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Samuel P. Oliner
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Pat Wenger
Keywords
Art
Subject Categories
Art
Abstract
This chapter has presented different models of order (traditional . and high technology), and their possible implications for the natural environment. The thesis that native/non-native conflicts arise over different perceptions of the environment instead of racism per se, was put forward. It was suggested that one primary reason for this was the different time frames within which the respective cultures operated in the new worlds of Siberia and America; the aboriginal populations had a minimum of 10,000 years to adapt to their particular environments, the colonists had barely 300 years. Dynamic historical comparative analysis was selected as the methodological approach. The cases chosen for comparison were the United States and Siberia. Certain component parts of the different world views were selected for comparative analysis, including environmental factors, social organizations, economic structure, and religious beliefs. Lynn White, Jr.'s model was examined and critiqued as too simplistic. A comparative model for analysis was diagramed and explained. Finally, some problems of methodology and sources of data were considered. The incompleteness of Siberian data was viewed as a handicap but it was felt, as with methodology, that the researcher should not let the data dictate what was studied. Chapter II will center around the environmental and technological factors of comparative analysis. Chapter III will present a comparison of sociocultural factors including economic structure, social organization, and religious ethos. Chapter IV presents historical data both pre-Soviet and Soviet for analysis of the Siberian experience. Chapter V will be a review and analysis of land policy and philosophy in America. Chapter VI will attempt to demonstrate historical continuity. Chapter VII will provide some conclusions and project a sociological interpretation of the future of both native groups and the environment.
Recommended Citation
Wisniewski, Robert L., "The Social Transformation of Nature: A Comparative Analysis of the Siberian and American Experiences" (1974). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2447.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2447