A Maritime Sociology for Sustainability Science

Abstract

Sustainability science emphasizes interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. However, several authors argue that sociology remains underutilized, despite its potential to significantly improve our understanding of the human–nature relationship and social change processes. This has been changing in recent years, with more attention directed to maritime social sciences, especially after the MARE 2019 conference. Academic production in different social sciences regarding maritime issues has been intensively developing. In this article, we first assess the current position of sociology within the subfield of maritime social sciences. We found that sociology lags in its engagement in social maritime research and provides a possible explanation related to the classical disciplinary distinction between modernity and tradition. Second, we describe the recent discussions on a possible new “maritime sociology” subfield. Finally, we discuss the potential contributions of sociology’s disciplinary toolbox (agency, institutions, social change, social fields) to transitions to sustainability.