Weeds, Pheasants and Wild Dogs

Resituating the Ecological Paradigm in Postindustrial Detroit

Bibliographic Data

ID4382965
AuthorsPaul Draus, Juliette Roddy (0000-0002-4917-8884)
Year2018
Volume42
Issue5
Pages807-827
Publication date2018-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Urban and Regional Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0309-1317 • E-ISSN: 1468-2427
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1468-2427.12627
OpenAlexW2883907757
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited72

The Chicago School of urban sociology has been criticized for its over-reliance on organic and ecological metaphors. We propose that a useful updated integration of urban sociology and ecology could be achieved with the aid of complementary concepts, such as patch dynamics and assemblage, from both fields. In this exploratory article, we draw on more than 50 qualitative interviews conducted with residents of three different Detroit neighborhoods, together with field observations, photographs and documentary evidence, to examine both actual and metaphorical references to the natural world. We consider allusions to 'drug infestation' as well as other references to territorialization processes and associations with plants and animals that emerged out of our interviews and interactions with neighborhood residents. In conclusion, we maintain that social science may have much to learn from contemporary ecological research, and that a resituated ecological paradigm would challenge and benefit contemporary urban research

Archaeology · Assemblage (archaeology · Biology · Environmental ethics · Exploratory research · Field (mathematics · Geography · Natural (archaeology · Political science · Post-industrial society · Social science · Sociology · Urban ecology · Urbanization · American Environmental and Regional History · Geographies of human-animal interactions · Urban Green Space and Health · Ecology

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