ABSTRACT

In this chapter, sociologist Keeley Knowles suggested that many of the problems in the more economically advanced world could be traced to the beginning of the industrial era which 'saw an unparalleled shift in familial life, leading to a loss of traditional values. The beginning of the industrial era saw an unparalleled shift in familial life, leading to a loss of traditional values, changes in working patterns and the kinds of work available, and urbanisation – overall, a more impersonal, individualistic way of life'. Today's world – the 'post-industrial, information-based society' – Knowles observed, may be best understood through the imagery of global multicultural companies such as McDonald's'. The chapter discusses the challenges – climate change and biodiversity; and longer term global economic trends will increasingly play a pivotal role in identifying sustainability issues and, in particular, how these might impact on society and the planet.