The construction of agroecology field and its relation to rural development

Authors

  • Paola Maia Lo Sardo Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, Santa Teresa, ES
  • Rodolfo Antônio de Figueiredo Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/1807-1384.2015v12n1p337

Abstract

Agroecology is a term currently appropriated by different groups and its conceptualization is in constant dispute, lacking therefore a critical reflection of its history and its foundational concepts. In this essay we try to present this reflection using as theoretical references the notion of "field" proposed by Pierre Bourdieu and the discussion of paradigm according to Thomas Kuhn, since this has never been done. Also, we tried to think how agroecology can contribute to the already established field of Rural Development. It was noted the conceptual diversity that exists in agroecology, as well as the lack of clarity in some of their proposals and fundamentals. Agroecology is directly related to sustainability and thereby leads rural development to rethink its styles and processes. It was concluded that agroecology can effectively be considered post-normal science, but the outline of its "field" is still in process of establishment.

 

Author Biographies

Paola Maia Lo Sardo, Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, Santa Teresa, ES

Mestre em Agroecologia e Desenvolvimento Rural pela Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil. Professora de Agroecologia no Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, Campus Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, ES, Brasil. 

 

 

Rodolfo Antônio de Figueiredo, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP

Mestre e Doutor em Ecologia pela Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil. Professor Adjunto do Departamento de Desenvolvimento Rural do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil. Credenciado no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais da mesma universidade.

Published

2015-07-13

Issue

Section

ESSAY