Background
Dr. Rachel Gurney is an environmental sociologist with a B.A. in journalism, M.S. in environmental science, and Ph.D. in sociology (concentrations in environmental sociology and social movements). She specializes in interdisciplinary research bridging social and natural sciences, teaching (environmental) sociology, and communicating research to the public. Her methodological approach is diverse and theory-driven; and her research makes contributions to environmental sociology, political sociology, disaster sociology, environmental justice and inequality, and social movements. In addition, Dr. Gurney has worked in the environmental non-profit sector and as a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer. She has years of experience in the environmental field, including advocacy and outreach for national and international organizations, teaching and research, and publishing social science environmental research for a variety of audiences and media platforms.
RESEARCH + TEACHING INTERESTS
Climate Change: Political Dimensions of Climate Change; Climate Change Public Opinion; Climate Change Skepticism and Denial; US (Subnational) Climate Action; Climate Change Adaptation; Climate Impacts
Environmental Sociology & Social Problems: Theoretical Perspectives; Social Constructions of Environmental Problems; Environmental Justice; Human Drivers of Environmental Degradation
Human-Wildlife Interface: Social Dimensions of Wildlife Conservation (Endangered/Predator Species); Social Constructions of Wildlife
Qualitative & Mixed Methods: Theoretical Perspectives and Analytical Approaches
Social Movements: Political Opportunity and Framing; Environmentalism as a Social Movement and Anti-Environmentalism as a Countermovement
Sustainable Agriculture: Drivers of Engagement in Soil-Health-Promoting Practices; Social Metrics of Soil Health; (Political) Identity and Agricultural Practices
FOLLOW
Video credit: Nature's Half Acre by James Algar, 1951 • B—H