Making Nature Social: Examining Lived Experience from Phenomenology to the Psychosocial

(Paperback)

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As humans, we often detach ourselves from nature so that we can exercise control over it.

How we engage with nature is governed by an intellectual framework that assumes nature is there only to satisfy humans, and in Western culture there is no single word to describe a direct relationship with nature. It is as if such a relationship does not exist.

This book explores the language, philosophy and psychology surrounding the human-nature relationship, with a view to repairing what is broken. In the midst of a global climate crisis, Zegers explores how Western ideals might positively or negatively impact on humans and the environment. Through interviews with leading nature practitioners, he explores how we can shift our understanding of our relationship to nature from one of control to one of reciprocity, and proposes that the human-nature relationship is an inherently social one.

Author Bio

Rembrandt Zegers' experience spans four decades working for change in and between organisations. His academic background is in Biology, Social Science and Business Administration. He trained as a Gestalt Therapist and in conflict resolution. He is also familiar with the Tavistock group relations approach. From 2011 until 2017 he worked for Greenpeace International, during which time he started researching for his PhD. Zegers is an expert with the UN Harmony with Nature programme and has published several articles and two book chapters drawing on his research. He is currently researching and consulting through his organisation Natuur Centraal (www.natuurcentraal.nl).