| My thesis is a study of hegemonic constructions of the human/nature relationship. Neoliberal capitalism justifies the commodification of Earth's "resources", leading to the continuation of ecological exploitation. A mechanistic perspective perpetuates the illusion that we are separate from the Earth, indicating a perceived hierarchy of human superiority. Applying social constructionism as a theoretical framework, I conducted a content analysis utilizing data from the United Nations climate action agreement, a Western Buddhist magazine Lion's Roar, and a blog published by One Earth Sangha, a non-profit organization concerned issues of climate change. The analysis served to compare how political leaders, scientists, and business corporations portray the human/nature relationship, with portrayals found in contemplative publications. I conclude with a call for all to critically examine the construction of human understandings, suggesting mindfulness practice as a self-reflexive process that can hone individual and social transformation. My conclusions also encourage climate activists to adopt non-mechanistic and non-capitalist language, to prevent the reproduction of problematic constructions of the human/nature relationship. |
