Sustainability: A Comparative Essay

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Analysis of First Case Study1

Analysis of Second Case Study2

Comparison of Issues of Place, Power and Equity3

Cultural Self Awareness4

Conclusion5

References6

Sustainability: A Comparative Essay

Introduction

The very fact that, resources are limited, affects all our lives. Some of the resources once depleted never come back. It is our collective responsibility for the long term maintenance of resources. These resources affect our economic, social, ecological and political systems. This essay contrasts two case studies from the course text, Sustainability and Communities of Place. First, “Globalization, Local Practice and Sustainability in the High Plains Region of the United States”. Second, “Prospect of Sustainability in the Culture of Capitalism, Global Culture and Globalization” (Maida, C., 2011).

The first case focuses on how local culture gets affected by the external forces, in addition to, internal ones. The second focuses the impact of Globalization, bringing similarity or differences.

Analysis of First Case Study

This case presents a location in high plains of U.S., southwest Kansas. This case reflects the need to address socio cultural factors, in addition to, environmental and economic facts. The view that farming communities are homogeneous is not true. Farming communities might be similar in economic and environmental perspective; however, they differ substantially in their occupation, type of agricultural enterprise and ethnic background (Benson & Janet E., 2001).

It is a fact that global pressures are affecting the rural communities of U.S. Fluctuating energy prices and international migrations are just to name a few of reshaping factors. After careful study, it can be pointed out that policy makers see the self-governing community more attractive option. The very fact that, forceful conservation by the state is costly and not as efficient as compared to self-governing practices is enough. According to Agrawal (Agrawal&Arun 2003), three forces shape the environment for common property institution; Demographic, penetration of market forces and state policies.

South West Kansas relies on two sources of income i.e. ranching cattle and farming. While farming itself, is dependent on intense irrigation system, which needs plenty of water. The prosperity of farming led to cattle culture and feeding operations that complement local beef packing plants. Meat packing industry was moved to rural areas long ago, since the cattle lose weight during their transportation. Place of slaughter near to feed supplies, was the key to gain advantage in business.

Disparities of power fluctuate by class, generation and ethnicity, in these settings. Large enterprises working in the community are strong enough and willing to fight for their water share even up to state levels. While the workers coming from abroad, are more concerned about their everyday problems.

Water is pivotal to the issues in southwest Kansas. Farmers and municipalities have conflicting interests. Farmers are concerned regarding efficient supply of ample water to irrigate their crops; while municipalities are more concerned about its conservation.

The influx of Mexican workers and depletion of natural gas reserves are pushing the issue further to complexity. The farmers are shifting from natural gas to diesel. Farmers are also experimenting low water crop, ...