Ecologically Unequal Exchange and Environmental Load Displacement

Ecologically unequal exchange theory and the concept of environmental load displacement contribute two important global, political economic approaches to environmental sociology. In this chapter, we first introduce these two concepts. We then trace the intertwined but distinct historical roots of these two ideas, which have now coalesced into a more unified body of research. Next, we discuss early foundational theoretical development and empirical research. Then we review the most current research to date, including several special issues of journals and a recently published book on these perspectives. We conclude with thoughts on future directions.