Linking social systems analysis to the industrial ecology framework

In theory, industrial ecology is a powerful analytical tool that challenges us to think beyond a mechanistic, fragmented view of environmental problems (and solutions). Indeed, it provokes thinking about the holistic industrial system. Presently, however, the field tends to focus primarily on technical processes and quantitative, material-oriented analysis. This article invites a discussion about expanding industrial ecology's models by considering social systems analysis. Its purpose is not to argue for dismantling or replacing extant industrial ecology. Instead, by advocating that industrial ecologists link their perspectives with perspectives from social science, it is hoped that the existing strengths of the discipline can be augmented with an emphasis on social and broader systemic factors. This direction is consistent with more holistic thinking and the roots of the discipline.