Abstract
Two different perspectives mark the discourse about the valuation of ecological services: (i) a positivist-realist perspective, and (ii) a constructivist perspective. The implications of the constructivist perspective for valuation are presented. First, is analyzed the current dominant practice of environmental valuation in terms of its epistemological assumptions, then, how the constructivist perspective colors the expectation of societal effectiveness of environmental valuation is examined. Environmental valuation aims at societal change through internalization of the costs of ecological services. Knowledge of the real costs is expected to influence behavior.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 15-23 |
Journal | International Journal of Environment and Pollution |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 1999 |