The grass is always greener on the other side
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2017-01-30
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en
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Abstract
While environmental research is rapidly expanding, the overall debate mostly relies on western theories to explain and assess environmental problems. The application of solely western theories makes research prone to indifferences for cultural variation. China is responsible for a quarter of the global greenhouse gas emissions, but Chinese environmental policies are generally explained through western environmental theories. This thesis explores the possibilities for a more cultural sensitive approach by exploring a New Confucian ecological perspective. It asks the question to what extent New Confucianism can be applied as an environmental theory, alternative to western environmental theories, and on what aspects it fits within the Chinese current context. This research applies a comparative political theoretical framework. It identifies multiple topics of discussion within the western debate, and derives dimensions and values from them. On the New Confucian account, this research combines a neo-Confucian moral framework and ideas of rationality and democracy to develop an environmental perspective. This results in four guidelines for human action towards nature. These guidelines fit well within Chinese culture, but encounter complications in the political aspect of Chinese society. New Confucianism provides an alternative environmental approach as long as it steers clear of the governments’ legitimization fundamentals.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen