Advancing Du Bois's Legacy Through Emancipatory Environmental Sociology

Area of Science:

• Environmental Sociology
• Sociology of Race
• Environmental Justice

Background:

• Environmental sociology lacks a core theory on racism's role in environmental inequity.
• The subdiscipline is dominated by white perspectives.
• W.E.B. Du Bois' work offers a foundational sociological approach with a material perspective on racial inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish W.E.B. Du Bois' environmental understanding as a theoretical pillar for emancipatory environmental sociology.
• To demonstrate how Du Bois' framework can legitimize partnerships with marginalized communities.
• To propose a liberatory approach to environmental sociology grounded in Du Bois' methodology.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of W.E.B. Du Bois' concept of the 'total environment'.
• Examination of Du Bois' connection between inequitable environments, racial capitalism, and anti-Blackness.
• Application of Du Bois' framework for documenting problems, interrogating drivers, and developing transformative solutions.

Main Results:

• W.E.B. Du Bois' methodology provides a foundational approach to environmental sociology.
• His concept of the 'total environment' links racial capitalism and anti-Blackness to inequitable environments.
• Du Bois advocated for Black solidarity and Pan-Africanism as solutions.

Conclusions:

• W.E.B. Du Bois' framework offers a path for emancipatory environmental sociology.
• His work provides theoretical and methodological legitimacy for community-engaged research.
• This approach empowers marginalized communities in their pursuit of liberation.