Human ecology: A unifying science?

Abstract

A historical review of human ecology as it developed in geography, anthropology, sociology, and psychology indicates that this science's ambiguity has been perpetuated by the reluctance of academicians in specialized disciplines to work collaboratively. While human ecology is considered a unifying science, few attempts have been made to reconcile differences among disciplinary self-interests, thereby preventing interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary man-environment problem solving. Human ecology will remain a debatable, ambiguous, and fragmented science unless present barriers to cooperative effort are overcome and the various disciplines unite in seeking solutions to current societal problems. © 1974 Plenum Publishing Corporation.