Social Science Theory for Environmental Sustainability A Practical Guide

Marc J. Stern, Associate professor, Virginia Tech Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability

Marc Stern received his Ph.D. in social ecology from Yale University, completed a masters in environmental science at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and was awarded his bachelor of science in natural resources from Cornell University. Dr. Stern teaches courses in Environmental Education, Environmental Interpretation, Social Science Research Methods, and Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management.

1. Introduction: Why would you want to read a book about social science theory?
PART I
How our brains work (or don't) and some ideas on what to do about it
2. Cognitive biases and limitations
PART II
The Theories
3. Finding useful theories when and where you need them
4. Theories of motivation, cognition, and reasoning
5. Morals, intuitions, culture, and identity-based theories
6. Trust, negotiation, and public involvement
7. Organizational theories
8. Systems theories
PART III
Putting the theories to use
9. Vignettes
10. Putting it all together