Towards a sociology of the coast : our past, present and future relationship to the shore

"This book seeks to understand the coast as a place that has deep significance both historically and sociologically. Using several case studies in Australia, the author uses Max Weber’s approach to rationalisation to understand the different ways coasts have been interpreted throughout modern history. While today, coastal places are known for their aspects of lifestyle or adventure, their histories, underpinned by colonialism and industrialization, are vastly different. The author examines the delicate dichotomy between the alternative experiences the coast provides today, versus the ideals and values imposed upon it in times gone by. The author makes an ethical argument about the ways in which we use and experience the coast today will adversely affect the lives of future generations in an attempt to generate further discussion amongst students and scholars of the sociology of place, as well as coastal managers and stakeholders."-- Provided by publisher Front Matter ....Pages i-x Introduction: Towards a Sociology of Coasts (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 1-12 Method and Theory (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 13-34 The Premodern Coast (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 35-66 The Modern Coast: Flinders the Explorer (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 67-98 The Noosa Story: Early Modernity Meets Lifestyle (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 99-121 The Lifestyle Coast: Protecting the Authentic (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 123-152 The Surfers Paradise Story: Modernity Meets Adventure on the Coast (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 153-182 The Adventure Coast: The Glitz and Glamour of Surfers Paradise, Hedonism, Transgression and the Adventure (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 183-219 Coastal Futures: Critically Engaging with Promethean Power on the Shore (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 221-251 Conclusion: Departing Remarks on the Sociology of the Coast (Nick Osbaldiston)....Pages 253-267 Back Matter ....Pages 269-275 This text seeks to understand the coast as a place that has deep significance both historically and sociologically. Using several case studies in Australia, the author uses Max Weber's approach to rationalisation to understand the different ways coasts have been interpreted throughout modern history. While today, coastal places are known for their aspects of lifestyle or adventure, their histories, underpinned by colonialism and industrialization, are vastly different. The author examines the delicate dichotomy between the alternative experiences the coast provides today, versus the ideals and values imposed upon it in times gone by