Theorizing power in ecological economics

The author argues that ecological economics is developing a blind spot: an unwillingness to consider explicitly social and natural power relations. Fo llowing a review of the concept of power in neo-classical economics, ecolog ical economics, political science and sociology, an ecocentric conception o f power is developed. The author defines power as 'the production of (or th e capacity to produce) effects' and examines some of the implications of th is re-definition for natural and social relations. He argues that ecologica l economics must situate itself within a broader theoretical framework that recognizes the historicity of modern social structures and the need for a fundamental restructuring of social power relations to achieve strong susta inability. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.