Bellevue,
04
November
2022
|
12:27 PM
America/Chicago

Bellevue University Faculty Member Publishes Book on Conservation Sociology

Bellevue University Assistant Professor and Program Director of Sociology, Jon Dahlem, published a book conservation sociology has needed for a while now. 

Dahlem wrote his book with the focus on the Island Marble Butterfly. The butterfly was thought extinct for nearly a century before it was rediscovered. The book calls on environmental sociologists to participate in conservation initiatives and to study conservation as a social phenomenon. 

This book tries to pave a way toward more sociological focus on and engagement with conservation initiatives by naming, defining, and describing what I call ‘conservation sociology’,” said Dahlem. “Environmental sociology is still a young discipline, and we haven't yet deeply explored the underlying social causes and consequences of biodiversity loss and species extinction.”

Dahlem goes on to explain that species extinction is practically inevitable but in earth's history there have also been short periods during which extinction rates have been extremely high. Scientists believe we have now reached a point in the development of human civilization at which we are causing a sixth rapid extinction event to occur, through habitat destruction, the introduction of non-native species, global heating, and other environmental byproducts of human systems of production and consumption.

Dahlem obtained his Doctorate in Sociology from Washington State University and through his research explores the underlying causes of socio-political inertia toward solving urgent environmental problems like climate change and biodiversity loss.

The Good, Green Gold of Spring: A Conservation Sociology of the Island Marble Butterfly is available on Amazon.

About Bellevue University

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).