Description
The relentless pursuit of economic growth is the defining characteristic of contemporary societies. Yet it benefits few and demands monstrous social and ecological sacrifice. Is there a viable alternative? How can we halt the endless quest to grow global production and consumption and instead secure socio-ecological conditions that support lives worth living for all?
In this compelling book, leading experts Giorgos Kallis, Susan Paulson, Giacomo D’Alisa and Federico Demaria make the case for degrowth - living well with less, by living differently, prioritizing wellbeing, equity and sustainability. Drawing on emerging initiatives and enduring traditions around the world, they advance a radical degrowth vision and outline policies to shape work and care, income and investment that avoid exploitative and unsustainable practices. Degrowth, they argue, can be achieved through transformative strategies that allow societies to slow down by design, not disaster.
Essential reading for all concerned citizens, policy-makers, and students, this book will be an important contribution to one of the thorniest and most pressing debates of our era.
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1 A Case for Degrowth
Purpose
Material and Economic Growth
Rhythms of Growth
Common Sense
Commons and Commoning
Degrowth
Historical Transformations
Notes
2 Sacrifices of Growth
The Madness of Compound Growth
Pursuit of Growth Drives Debt, Inequality, and Financial Crises
Short-Sighted Endeavors to Sustain Growth
Ecological Costs of Growth
Exploitation: Vital Ingredient for Growth
Psycho-Social Foundations of Growth
Notes
3 Making Changes on the Ground
The Common Sense of Sharing and Living Simply So That Others May Simply Live
From Personal to Common
Coevolutionary Possibilities
Commons That are Already Here
Community Economies in Coevolution
Limits and Doubts
Day by Day Transformation to Degrowth
Notes
4 Path-Breaking Reforms
A Green New Deal Without Growth
Universal Basics
Reclaiming the Commons
Reduce Working Hours
Public Finance That Greens and Equalizes
Synergies
Shared Planet, Different Realities
Notes
5 Strategies for Mobilization
Openings Amid Consequences of Growth
Challenges Amid Consequences of Growth
Alliance-Building
Mobilizing for Political Change
Exercising, Legislating, and Mobilizing Desired Worlds, Day by Day
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Green Growth
Growth, Poverty, and Inequality
Managing Without Growth
You convinced me. But what can I do?
Notes
Index
