The endangerment of bees and new developments in beekeeping: a social science perspective using the example of Germany

The endangerment of honeybees and pollination in agriculture is related to social causes and entails social consequences. The paper reflects the bee issue in terms of symbolism, discourses and practices, different perspectives and positions, and social dynamics. It then presents two case studies that apply qualitative methods to assess developments that are harmful or favourable to bees and new trends in beekeeping. The first case study addresses the booming development of urban beekeeping. This part of the paper also discusses the alternatives that organic beekeeping has to offer. The second case study investigates beekeeping for the purpose of pollination in orchards. It points to possibilities of cooperation between growers and beekeepers but also marks the main problems, which are related to insecticide use and the development of the pollination market.

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