Environmental sociology is a term we use to describe a broad range of research in which we seek to understand the relationships between the environment and human development. One of the considered founders of environmental sociology was Allen Schnaiberg, who developed the theory known as the production treadmill. This theory concerns an economic exchange and rapid economic development that grew after World War II. This led to a large demand for increasing technologies and natural resources, and new industries were rapidly emerging to produce new products. The production of more and more products has had an impact on natural resources and environmental degradation. The way the treadmill comes into play is to explain how society runs in place and never goes anywhere. In this article I will talk about how this theory relates to the pressure of getting a college degree, advancing to a higher level, and the levels required to get a high-paying job. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay From Maslow's hierarchy of needs we have learned that when basic needs such as food, water, sleep, clothing, shelter, and sex are not met, people tend to satisfy these needs above all else. When a basic need is satisfied, the treadmill continues to seek completion with another need. The second level of what we need is security, which falls under topics such as economic, social and professional security. There are many steps within the Hierarchy of Needs triangle, however, it leads to esteem and self-actualization. These needs are a process in which an individual will seek trust, fulfillment and respect from others. In this society we can never be satisfied with only primary needs, we strive to find something better and higher, and this is where the routine of consumption and development comes into play with the advancement of school and work. There is an endless cycle of consumption in relation to work and production that decreases a person's standard of living and increases the destruction of environmental resources that require the advancement of production. The same concept is applied to educational advancement, the only way to survive in this modern age workforce is to have an advanced degree. People have come to view certain desires as necessary needs, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve this modern standard of living. Now you need to go into debt for a higher education as well as have a stressful work life to keep consuming a treadmill that creates more education and jobs. As people want more, costs increase, production increases, industries grow, leading to a never-ending cycle. Having a decent job is no longer enough, the middle class is no longer middle class and in terms it becomes a challenge to enjoy the American lifestyle that we have modernized. I believe that Malthus' theory, where he explains how population is also a big problem, helps to resolve the issue of competition and consumption. His theory emphasizes more on food production, but can also relate to the amount of resources used for growing industries. It applies very well in the fact that becoming more successful and getting jobs with higher wages involves exceeding the requirements for good jobs. However, with this process comes only greater needs for esteem, the desire for reputation or respect and the achievement of higher prestige. With the advancement of technologies and production..