A capitalism without growth discussed

Noela · 05-18-2009, 01:24 PM

An article in today's Guardian www.guardian.co.uk - "The Age of Entitlement lies
rotting. It's polluted patrons can lead us no more" - Madeleine Bunting
discusses an event held at Carlton House Terrace (London) by the government appointed
Sunstainable Development Commission.

A bold paper 'PROSPERITY WITHOUT GROWTH' by SDC. economist Tim Jackson
was the subject of the discussion. It asked if we could imagine a capitalism without economic growth. "All governments see their primary task as growth in GDP"
It goes on to say that no political leader is prepared to depart from this perceived
wisdom, and what might follow if they did.

It is refreshing to see that such radical ideas are beginning to be aired. Whilst
the paper discusses this from the standpoint of the environment, it has other
wider implications e.g. a move from a culture of consumerism, a respect for
nature, greater social equity - in fact such a change in economics could bring a
major change in consciousness. OR - perhaps we should say that a change
in consciousness is needed to pursue such a radical agenda. Either way -
it would seem such changes are happening - we are seeing the first "green shoots"!

:thumb_yell o:

05-18-2009, 01:24 PM	#1
Noela Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 205	A capitalism without growth discussed An article in today's Guardian www.guardian.co.uk - "The Age of Entitlement lies rotting. It's polluted patrons can lead us no more" - Madeleine Bunting discusses an event held at Carlton House Terrace (London) by the government appointed Sunstainable Development Commission. A bold paper 'PROSPERITY WITHOUT GROWTH' by SDC. economist Tim Jackson was the subject of the discussion. It asked if we could imagine a capitalism without economic growth. "All governments see their primary task as growth in GDP" It goes on to say that no political leader is prepared to depart from this perceived wisdom, and what might follow if they did. It is refreshing to see that such radical ideas are beginning to be aired. Whilst the paper discusses this from the standpoint of the environment, it has other wider implications e.g. a move from a culture of consumerism, a respect for nature, greater social equity - in fact such a change in economics could bring a major change in consciousness. OR - perhaps we should say that a change in consciousness is needed to pursue such a radical agenda. Either way - it would seem such changes are happening - we are seeing the first "green shoots"! :thumb_yell o: