ENVIRONMENTAL POSSIBILISM
by Antonio C. Antonio
February 4, 2013
Environmental Possibilism is a theory that
states that the environment offers different mixes of opportunities and limits
to how humans may behave and that the environment does not shape human behavior
but instead presents an array of conditions that allow for the same behavior to
prosper and others not to develop at all.
“Possibilism”, in cultural geography is the theory that the environment
sets certain constraints or limitations, but culture is otherwise determined by
social conditions.
Environmental Possibilism is a theory in geography
that human behavior, and therefore culture, is not merely determined by the
environment but by human agency. As a
theory it is directly opposed to determinism.
Environmental Possibilism is also a belief in attempting only
realistically achievable reforms in society.
“American influence on Philippine culture is
quite strong. The way and manner
Filipinos speak English is more American than other Asian countries. This is the very reason why BPOs (business
process outsourcing) have gained a relative high level of success here… even
beating India where BPOs started. But
American consumers can easily discern Indian English from Filipino English and,
when an Indian Customer Service Representative answers the phone, they are
quick to say: “I don’t wanna talk to
you. I have a friend who doesn’t have a job, why should I give you this
freakin’ opportunity to earn!” (“Environmental-Cultural Terms”, Antonio, 2014, http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/06/environmental-cultural-terms.html)
Again, “possibilism” as a theory, as opposed
to “determinism”, lays the foundation for any culture to develop in a given
society. This is what it is all about…
Environmental Possibilism.
Just my little thoughts…
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