The Interaction Between Humans and Nature : An Investigation into Coexistence

Abstract

Nowadays, the importance of the “environmental" perspective is widely accepted and a great deal of discourse has been produced in this area. However, it seems the current relationship between humans and nature is becoming increasingly strained. This can be seen in examples such as the artificial production of food or the protection of certain animals resulting in their increased populations and subsequent damage to farming etc.. What should be explored in such cases is the interaction between humans and nature. This paper provides an overview of environmental sociology to date with regard to this theme. It then draws on field data from Gujo-Hachiman and recent studies in cultural anthropology in order to partially demonstrate the type of human-nature interaction that should be investigated in the future.

Two points arising from the study can be highlighted focusing on the often opposing forces of humankind and nature: (1) nature is not simply a passive factor but an important actor in interactions between humans and nature and (2) where there is an area of concern between humans and nature, measures should be adopted to predict nature's response to human action. Taking these points into consideration, the following policy can begin to take shape : as we become accustomed to artificially modified environments, we should do more than simply refine our vague and sometimes romanticized view of nature ; at the same time, when restoring the abundance of the natural environment, we should always consider human life and the need to incorporate nature's perspective into our humanity.