Anthropocentrism
Anthropocentrism refers to a worldview that prioritizes human needs, values, and interests over those of other species and the environment. It positions humans as the central or most significant entities, often leading to the exploitation of natural resources and disregard for ecological sustainability. In sociology, anthropocentrism is studied to understand how cultural norms, religious beliefs, and economic systems reinforce human dominance over nature. This perspective is critiqued for contributing to environmental degradation and climate change, as it ignores the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Sociologists and environmental scholars advocate for alternatives like ecocentrism to promote a more balanced and sustainable relationship between humans and the natural world.