SOCIOLOGY
When implementing a significant change that impacts multiple groups, you must account for the societal norms, political ideologies and demographics of these groups.
SOCIETAL NORMS
The definition of sociology highlights the idea that social groups and their interactions immensely control human behavior. In local neighborhoods, this idea holds equally as well. Neighbors can have significant influence on each other, specifically in regard to their lawn care practices. The peer pressure that comes along with have the "perfect" lawn can influence the fertilizer use and landscape techniques that are utilized. For this reason, the concept of the "ideal" lawn must be altered from one that can only be obtained through unsustainable practices to one that utilizes sustainable landscape practices and alternatives to fertilizers. (Hirsch R, Baxter J, 2009)
POLITICAL IDEOLOGY
The political groups that exist in a society have a significant impact on the thoughts and actions of its members. For this reason, the values of political institutions must be considered when framing and conveying changes, particularly controversial ones such as the environment. Additionally, it is pertinent to utilize these political groups when delivering the message. Valued members of these institutions will be more effective in communicating the message because the ties they have through their respective political ideals. (Hoffman 2011)
DEMOGRAPHICS
In any society, there are numerous groups based on gender, race, age and other such factors, each with their own values and opinions. These ideals must be assessed when implemented as an alternation of the societal norms of these groups. For example, women tend to be more empathetic toward the environment than men, and for this reason, when talking about caring for the environment different tactics should be used when targeting men than when targeting women. (Ahmed, et al. 2011)
SOCIETAL NORMS
The definition of sociology highlights the idea that social groups and their interactions immensely control human behavior. In local neighborhoods, this idea holds equally as well. Neighbors can have significant influence on each other, specifically in regard to their lawn care practices. The peer pressure that comes along with have the "perfect" lawn can influence the fertilizer use and landscape techniques that are utilized. For this reason, the concept of the "ideal" lawn must be altered from one that can only be obtained through unsustainable practices to one that utilizes sustainable landscape practices and alternatives to fertilizers. (Hirsch R, Baxter J, 2009)
POLITICAL IDEOLOGY
The political groups that exist in a society have a significant impact on the thoughts and actions of its members. For this reason, the values of political institutions must be considered when framing and conveying changes, particularly controversial ones such as the environment. Additionally, it is pertinent to utilize these political groups when delivering the message. Valued members of these institutions will be more effective in communicating the message because the ties they have through their respective political ideals. (Hoffman 2011)
DEMOGRAPHICS
In any society, there are numerous groups based on gender, race, age and other such factors, each with their own values and opinions. These ideals must be assessed when implemented as an alternation of the societal norms of these groups. For example, women tend to be more empathetic toward the environment than men, and for this reason, when talking about caring for the environment different tactics should be used when targeting men than when targeting women. (Ahmed, et al. 2011)
WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?
a social science focused on the study of
social life:
groups, organizations and their interactions
assumes
social life overwhelmingly regulates
human decisions and behaviors
a social science focused on the study of
social life:
groups, organizations and their interactions
assumes
social life overwhelmingly regulates
human decisions and behaviors
References:
Ahmed, N., Englund, J., Ahman, I., Lieberg, M., & Johansson, E. (2011). Perception of pesticide use by farmers and
neighbors in two periurban areas. Science of the Total Environment, 77-86.
Hirsch R., Baxter J. "The look of the lawn: pesticide policy preference and health-risk perception in context" (2009).
Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 27(3) 468 – 490
Hoffman, A. "Talking past each other? Cultural framing of skeptical and convinced logics in the climate change debate."
(2011). Organization & Environment 24(1): 3-33.
Ahmed, N., Englund, J., Ahman, I., Lieberg, M., & Johansson, E. (2011). Perception of pesticide use by farmers and
neighbors in two periurban areas. Science of the Total Environment, 77-86.
Hirsch R., Baxter J. "The look of the lawn: pesticide policy preference and health-risk perception in context" (2009).
Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 27(3) 468 – 490
Hoffman, A. "Talking past each other? Cultural framing of skeptical and convinced logics in the climate change debate."
(2011). Organization & Environment 24(1): 3-33.
GREEN GROUNDS
Fertilizer Usage and its Alternatives at the University of Michigan
GREEN GROUNDS