This paper proceeds on the assumption
that a specifically sociological perspective is lacking in
the discourse on sustainability. However, especially
in view of the diversity of this discourse, a “sociology
of sustainability” may offer new insights by contributing
different perspectives and critically reflecting
on the implicit premises of the sustainability debate.
A specific challenge for sociology is to position itself
with regard to the problem-orientation as well as
the normative character of sustainability. This contribution
proposes to consider the perspective-rich
diversity of sociology as a strength, which, as it applies
to the parallel diversity of sustainability, can be made
very productive. Sociological approaches applicable
to the sustainability debate are those that bear upon
the simultaneity of observation and orientation of
transformation – whether with an area-specific or
societal-theoretical focus – and arrive at thoroughly
plural mediation proposals. This paper introduces five
such proposals as exploratory examples: doing sustainability,
a field theoretical analysis, a contribution
from the sociology of science, epistemic governance
and a societal-theoretical reflection. We understand
this as a prelude to a discussion regarding the coming
sociology of sustainability.