Ethnoecology and Ecology Without Nature
"Nature" is not a fixed or universal concept but a culturally curated creation shaped by many literary, artistic, and philosophical influences throughout history. Understanding the cultural construction of "Nature" is essential in ethnoecology, as it reveals how communities perceive and relate to the more-than-human world.
In his book "Ecology Without Nature," Timothy Morton challenges the traditional notion of "Nature" as a separate, pristine entity untouched by human influence. He argues that our idea of "Nature" is a human construct, a romanticized ideal that often leads to environmental othering and alienation. Morton suggests that we can develop a more nuanced understanding of our ecological relationships by deconstructing this concept.
Major literary and artistic periods have significantly shaped the contemporary sense of "Nature." The Romantic era, celebrating the sublime and awe-inspiring landscapes, contributed to the idea of "Nature" as a source of spiritual and aesthetic inspiration. The Transcendentalists in America, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, emphasized the importance of communion with nature and self-reliance.
Moving into the 20th century, the Modernist period challenged traditional notions of "Nature" with its focus on industrialization, urbanization, and the fragmentation of the natural world. The Postmodern era further deconstructed the idea of a singular, unified "Nature," emphasizing the diversity of perspectives and the cultural constructions of reality.
Exploring assumptions about the more-than-human world in ethnoecology is crucial for understanding how communities view and interact with their environments. Communities often have distinct lenses through which they perceive aspects of the world, such as ecology. These perspectives are deeply rooted in cultural narratives, beliefs, and practices.
Language, too, plays a vital role in shaping our understanding of "Nature." Words like the outdoors, the countryside, the environment, the Land, nature, wilderness, and the wild carry distinct stories and connotations. For some, these words evoke feelings of freedom, tranquillity, and harmony with the natural world. However, for others, they may signify exclusion, inaccessibility, and othering.
In conclusion, "Nature" is a culturally constructed concept influenced by many historical, literary, and artistic movements. Timothy Morton's work challenges us to rethink our relationship with the more-than-human world, urging us to move beyond the idea of "Nature" as a separate entity. In ethnoecology, exploring the cultural narratives and linguistic framings of "Nature" provides valuable insights into how communities perceive and engage with their environments. By recognising the stories embedded in language, we can develop a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the diverse ways in which we relate to the natural world.
