Introduction : the emerging field of social ecology

The book is a response to, rather than an attempt to define the practice of, 'social ecology'. Those invited to contribute to the collection are just some of the many who have influenced and been influenced by the teaching of Social Ecology at the University of Western Sydney over the last thirty years. Full-time and part-time staff, guest teachers, authors of key texts and graduates have all contributed to this richly varied resource. Although their origins are important, it is their subject matter that connects them and marks the value of this collection. The collection is divided into four sections, each presenting the subject matter from a different perspective. Because of the holistic and interrelated nature of the subject, the collection can be read and enjoyed in whatever order is relevant to the reader. Both the book and the subject matter encourage an eclectic, intuitive and wandering engagement. In all chapters the personal is constantly in negotiation, crisis emerges through knowing rather than ignorance, and amelioration is a consequence of attitude and reflection in relation to action. Issues of creativity, transformation and sustainability form the spine, and the future teases with learning.