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The Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle:Simple or Complicated?
[journal article]
Abstract Simplicity is generally considered an important characteristic of the environmentally friendly lifestyle. This article questions this tenet. Nine dimensions of simplicity are proposed: non-ownership, lack of power, aesthetics, behaviour, naturalness, freedom of movement, the sedentary life/faithfuln... view more
Simplicity is generally considered an important characteristic of the environmentally friendly lifestyle. This article questions this tenet. Nine dimensions of simplicity are proposed: non-ownership, lack of power, aesthetics, behaviour, naturalness, freedom of movement, the sedentary life/faithfulness to a place, education, and living lightly. Using these categories, the question is asked whether the cultural stereotype of simplicity corresponds to reality. The images of the environmentally friendly lifestyles are analysed from an everyday perspective, including radical forms of self-sufficiency. The result is a conclusion contrary to the common belief: while the life of the typical consumerist is simple, the life of environmental virtue is complex. This finding directs attention to one part of N. Elias’ sociological theory, which understands the civilisation process as the replacement of simple behaviour with complex rituals.... view less
Classification
Sociology
Free Keywords
environmentally friendly lifestyle; voluntary simplicity; nine dimensions of simplicity; self-sufficiency
Document language
English
Publication Year
2008
Page/Pages
1111–1128 p.
Journal
Sociologický časopis / Czech Sociological Review, 44 (2008) 6
Status
Published Version; reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications