Introduction
The 2014 Sundarbans oil spill was a major environmental disaster that had severe ecological and
social consequences. This paper examines the spill through the lens of two major sociological
perspectives: functionalism and conflict theory. While the functionalist perspective highlights the
societal responses that contributed to maintaining stability, the conflict perspective emphasizes
power imbalances and exploitation that exacerbated the crisis.
Fig. 01: Oil spills into river as tanker sinks
Fig. 02: Local residents collecting oil
Functionalists view society as a system in which different parts work together to maintain
stability. Even in disasters, they identify ways in which society adapts, creates order, and
finds benefits from crises. From this viewpoint, the oil spill, while detrimental, may have
inadvertently activated certain societal functions:
1. Community Mobilization: The Sundarbans oil spill has mobilized activists and
communities, increasing awareness of the risks of fossil fuel dependency. In the absence
of an immediate governmental response, local villagers took initiative to mitigate the spill's
effects. Utilizing rudimentary tools, they manually collected oil from the water, showcasing
grassroots resilience and solidarity. This collective action not only addressed the
environmental crisis but also reinforced community bonds and a shared sense of
responsibility.
2. Policy Reevaluation and Environmental Awareness: The disaster prompted
environmentalists and activists to vocalize concerns, urging the government to reassess
policies related to industrial activities near ecologically sensitive areas. This heightened
advocacy led to increased public awareness about environmental conservation and the
potential risks of industrial encroachments, fostering a more informed and proactive
society. The criticism of the Bangladeshi government's handling of the crisis may pressure
officials to improve disaster management systems, which could strengthen environmental
regulations in the long run.
3. Economic Functions: The disaster, though tragic, has created temporary job opportunities,
such as oil cleanup efforts, and has given locals a chance to engage in economic activities
(even if informally, like selling back oil to the Padma Oil Company).
4. Charitable & Community Support: Functionalists would point out how local and
international environmental groups, NGOs, and citizens have stepped in to help clean up
the spill, providing both material and social support to affected communities.
Conflict theorists focus on power struggles, inequality, and exploitation. They would analyze
the oil spill through the lens of economic and political interests, emphasizing how powerful
corporations and governments prioritize profit over the well-being of marginalized
communities and ecosystems. Applying this lens to the Sundarbans oil spill reveals:
1. Exploitation and Marginalization: The local villagers, who are forbidden from fishing
in the Sundarbans, are now being forced to clean up the spill without proper protective
gear. This highlights economic inequality, where corporations have access to resources
while poor communities bear the burden of environmental damage. The prioritization of
commercial interests, such as permitting large oil tankers to navigate through the
Sundarbans, underscores systemic inequalities. Local communities, who rely on the forest
for their livelihoods, faced health hazards and economic losses due to the spill. Their
exclusion from decision-making processes and the disproportionate burden they bore
exemplify the marginalization perpetuated by powerful industrial entities. [1]
2. Environmental Injustice: The proposed construction of the Rampal Power Plant near the
Sundarbans, despite evident ecological vulnerabilities, reflects a broader pattern of
environmental injustice. The potential for future industrial accidents poses significant
threats to both the environment and the well-being of local populations, highlighting the
ongoing struggle between economic ambitions and the rights of indigenous communities.
The worst effects of environmental disasters often fall on disadvantaged populations. The
oil spill threatens the livelihoods of already vulnerable communities, while powerful
business and political elites remain unaffected. [2]
3. Corporate Interests Over Public Good: Conflict theorists would argue that the Padma
Oil Company and other fossil fuel interests value economic gain over environmental and
human costs prioritizing profits over safety.
4. Rampal Power Plant as a Symbol of Corporate Greed: Conflict theorists would connect
the oil spill to larger industrialization efforts like the Rampal Power Plant, arguing that
corporations and governments ignore environmental concerns and public opposition to
push forward projects that primarily benefit the wealthy.
Conclusion
The functionalist perspective sheds light on the societal mechanisms activated in response to the
spill, whereas the conflict perspective critically examines the underlying power imbalances and
systemic issues that exacerbate the vulnerabilities of marginalized groups. By analyzing the
Sundarbans oil spill through these sociological perspectives, we can better understand the social
implications of environmental disasters and the need for more equitable and sustainable policies.
References
[1] Wikipedia, "WIKIPEDIA," [Online]. Available:
h ps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Sundarbans_oil_spill?.
[2] C. Meisner, "WorldFish," [Online]. Available: h ps://worldfishcenter.org/blog/sundarbans-recoveryecosystem-resilience-post-oil-spill?.