Factors Influencing Perspectives (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Understanding Perspectives

What is a perspective?

• A perspective is how an individual sees and understands a particular situation

  • Perspectives are formed based on individual assumptions, values and beliefs

  • They are shaped by a combination of personal experiences, cultural background and societal influences

  • For example, perspectives are often informed and justified by various factors including:

    • Sociocultural norms

    • Scientific understandings

    • Laws

    • Religion

    • Economic conditions

    • Local and global events

    • Lived experience (i.e. events someone has personally experienced during their lives)

• Perspectives are not fixed and can evolve over time as individuals gain new experiences and insights

Influence of perspectives

• Perspectives vary widely among individuals and groups, leading to diverse views on environmental and social issues

  • For example, perspectives on climate change may differ based on factors such as education, political beliefs, cultural background or geographical location

• Perspectives influence people's choices and actions

  • For example, someone with an environmentalist perspective might prioritise sustainability in their lifestyle choices, even if this is more financially costly to them, while others may prioritise economic considerations (i.e. they may choose things that are less expensive but also less environmentally friendly)

• Perspectives shape how individuals interpret information and events

  • For example, someone with a pessimistic perspective might view an environmental issue as evidence of inevitable wider ecological collapse, whereas an optimist might see it as a temporary challenge to overcome and find solutions to

Environmental perspectives

• Different perspectives on environmental issues can lead to contrasting approaches to conservation and resource management

  • For example, those with a more human-based perspective may prioritise human interests and well-being in environmental decision-making

    • This perspective might support conservation measures that benefit humans directly, such as clean water initiatives

  • In contrast, those with an environmentalist perspective may place great value on the intrinsic worth of nature and ecosystems

    • Supporters of this perspective may prioritise biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health, even if it does not directly benefit humans

Social perspectives

• Social perspectives shape attitudes and responses to social issues such as poverty, inequality and justice

  • For example, a collectivist perspective may prioritise the well-being of the community over individual rights

    • Policies based on this perspective might focus on social welfare programs and taxes

  • In contrast, an individualistic perspective emphasises personal responsibility and freedom of choice

    • Policies based on this perspective might involve promoting entrepreneurship and reducing government intervention

Distinction between perspectives and arguments

• It is important to note that a perspective is not the same as an argument

  • Arguments are constructs used to support or challenge a particular perspective

  • They are logical or reasoned explanations presented to persuade other people of the validity of a perspective (i.e. that a particular viewpoint is credible and true)

• Arguments can be constructed to defend a personally held perspective or to criticise and counter an opposing viewpoint

  • For example, someone who is advocating for stricter environmental regulations might present arguments based on scientific evidence to support their perspective

  • On the other hand, someone opposing these regulations might present counterarguments based on economic concerns or individual freedoms