The Sub-Program of Cultural Ecology
In addition to the ethnic, religious, and social environments of the Central and East-Central European peoples, the natural environment has also exerted a significant influence on their cultures. Within cultural anthropology, a distinct trend has emerged over the past decades—cultural ecology, which undertakes the study of the ways in which the natural environment shapes and impacts culture. Traditionally, cultural ecology has primarily examined the functioning of tribal societies; however, there is both opportunity and increasing demand for extending this perspective to agrarian and industrial societies as well. Furthermore, it provides an important framework for investigating cultural responses and adaptive strategies in the face of the challenges posed by climate change.
At the local level, this sub-program aims to shed light on the processes by which transformations in the natural environment contribute to changes in cultural patterns. The research sites are determined in relation to the topics of the forthcoming dissertations.
Thematic Areas of the Cultural Ecology Sub-Program
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History of Science and Anthropological Traditions
Presentation of anthropological schools. Connections between ecology and ethnography. Opportunities and methods for conducting cultural-ecological investigations of European societies. -
Religion and Environment
The influence of environmental factors on “world religions” as well as on the religious systems of tribal societies. Natural and artificial environments. The environment-shaping power of religion. The sacralization of space. Christianity and environmental transformation. Sacred centers and landscape formation. Mutual interactions between religion and environment. -
Perceptions of Nature in Peasant Societies
Representations of the surrounding environment, fauna, and flora in peasant culture. The cultural history of natural vegetation and cultivated plants. Forms of utilizing the natural environment in folk societies. -
Natural Resources and Local Industries
Recognition, ownership, and specialization in the use of natural goods. Exchange relations under differing climatic, botanical, and zoogeographic conditions. -
Environmental Transformation from Prehistory to the Present
Traditional agricultural methods involving environmental degradation: deforestation, land breaking, forestry, pasturing, and later, modern environmentally damaging industries. Ethnography and environmental protection. Traditional farming and conservation practices. -
Recycling Natural Values and Cultural Confrontations
Environmentally conscious lifestyles versus consumer culture in everyday practice. Traditional and modern uses of tools.