Human Ecology and Disciplines

Human ecology is a combination of studies, concepts and disciplines that is related to the interrelationship between human beings and their environment. An environment can be natural, created , or social. In other words human ecology studies how we as differing societies interact with nature, with each other, and with our surroundings. Human ecology is related to the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

In a workplace, such as a factory, the environment can be relatively stressful. Often measures are taken to make the workplace a more comfortable place to be. Studies show that when people are calm and happy they are more productive in the workplace.

As human beings we often have disagreements or conflicts with people who think differently than we do. Often, when we are trying to decide who will be the best leader for our country we find ourselves at odds with their philosophies. Whether we are disagreeing over who should lead the country, or who should lead a committee problems arise, and it is the preface of the discipline of human ecology to find commonalities between people and their communities, governments, and environment.

Human ecology is related to economics, spatial development and other global concerns. In essence human ecology is the scientific and social studies of human life. Human ecology is incorporated into everything that affects us as human beings, right down to the nutritional requirements that an individual needs to be healthy. We interact each day with people, not only face to face, but also on the Internet. You will find the study of human ecology wherever you find people. The environment in which we interact with others could be physical or virtual.

In the workplace human ecology is a major part of the code of conduct, as well as safety rules and regulations. We are civilized human beings, therefore we are expected to interact with others without trampling on the rights of others. Rules are put into place so that we interact with people in an appropriate way.

As humans we strive to understand our place in the environment. As individuals, we may all feel differently about nature. Many feel that we humans are supreme beings, and have dominion over all of nature and the environment at any cost; while others have a profound belief that they are the caretakers and stewards of the environment. Human ecology gives us standards of what is beneficial and acceptable interactions between societies, and between society and nature.

As we know better, hopefully we try to do better. We should always be mindful of the rights of others within our society and those of other societies. We also have an obligation to be good stewards of the environment. We have a right to use the natural resources, but at the same time we need to preserve and sustain the environment for the generations that follow us.