Professor Sharon Beder
Sharon Beder is a visiting professor in the School of Social Sciences, Media and Communication at the University of Wollongong.
Searchable RIS Publications from 2000 to date
Sharon's research has focussed on how power relationships are maintained and challenged, particularly by corporations and professions. She is interested in the dynamics of environmental and technological controversies, social aspects of engineering; environmental politics; the rhetoric of sustainable development; the philosophies behind environmental economics; and trends in environmentalism and corporate activism/public relations. Most recently she has broadened her research interests to include a critique of the work ethic; market solutions to social problems; and neoliberalism more generally.
She has written 9 books, around 150 articles, book chapters and conference papers, as well as educational monographs, consultancy reports and teaching resources (see publications). Her
Her books, some of which have been translated into other languages, include:
Sharon initially trained and worked as a civil engineer before becoming interested in the social, political and philosophical aspects of engineering and then environmental politics. She completed a PhD in Science and Technology Studies at the University of NSW in 1989 based on research into the process of engineering decision-making using a case study on the development of Sydney's sewerage system.
Before joining the University of Wollongong in 1992, Sharon was Environmental Education Co-ordinator at the University of Sydney where she produced educational resources, ran continuing education and professional education courses, and designed postgraduate degrees and diplomas. She has also been Chairperson of the Environmental Engineering Branch of the Institution of Engineers, Sydney, President of the Society for Social Responsibility in Engineering, and a director of the Earth Foundation Australia.
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