Economic growth isn’t working, and it cannot be made to work. Offering a counter-history of how economic growth emerged in the context of colonialism, fossil-fueled industrialization, and capitalist modernity, The Future Is Degrowth argues that the ideology of growth conceals the rising inequalities and ecological destructions associated with capitalism, and points to desirable alternatives to it.
Not only in society at large, but also on the left, we are held captive by the hegemony of growth. Even proposals for emancipatory Green New Deals or postcapitalism base their utopian hopes on the development of productive forces, on redistributing the fruits of economic growth and technological progress. Yet growing evidence shows that continued economic growth cannot be made compatible with sustaining life and is not necessary for a good life for all.
This book provides a vision for postcapitalism beyond growth. Building on a vibrant field of research, it discusses the political economy and the politics of a non-growing economy. It charts a path forward through policies that democratise the economy, “now-topias” that create free spaces for experimentation, and counter-hegemonic movements that make it possible to break with the logic of growth. Degrowth perspectives offer a way to step off the treadmill of an alienating, expansionist, and hierarchical system.
A handbook and a manifesto, The Future Is Degrowth is a must-read for all interested in charting a way beyond the current crises.
Review
“This book is to degrowth what the IPCC is to climate science: the best available literature review on the topic.”
Timothée Parrique
“If you are looking for a clear, comprehensive, scholarly but practical overview, then I’d recommend The Future is Degrowth.”
Mark Burton
“This book is a great handbook of ideas to help spread the word.”
Bookbuster
“An excellent introduction to the degrowth agenda written in plain language. It shifts the burden of proof concerning solutions to climate and social crises to optimist eco-modernists from all political backgrounds.”
Nick Trantas, Journal of Political Ecology
“Degrowth gains ground.”
Yes Magazine
“Must-read.”
Occupy.com
“Magnificent. The Future is Degrowth is arguably one of the most complete works on the concept of degrowth. This book is essential reading for both actors within civil society movements and policymakers, as it manages to be extremely ambitious in its goals while remaining realistic.”
Green European Journal
About the Author
Matthias Schmelzer is a Berlin-based economic historian, social theorist and climate activist. He works at Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena and is active in various social-ecological networks and movements. He has published The Hegemony of Growth and edited Degrowth in Movement(s).
Aaron Vansintjan lives in Montreal and writes about food, cities, politics, and ecology. He is the co-founder of Uneven Earth, a website focusing on ecological politics. He has been published in The Guardian, Briarpatch Magazine, Red Pepper, Truthout, Open Democracy, and The Ecologist.
Andrea Vetter is a transformation researcher, activist and journalist, using degrowth, commons and critical eco-feminism as tools. She teaches transformation design at Braunschweig University of Art. She is editor of the magazine Oya and lives in and is co-founder of the House of Change, a transregional rural space for art, learning and co-creation in Eastern Germany.
- Publisher : Verso (June 28, 2022)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1839765844
- ISBN-13 : 978-1839765841
- Item Weight : 10.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.52 x 0.8 x 8.24 inches
See related:
- Brian Czech – Degrowth Toward a Steady-State Economy – CACOR series
- Supply Shock: Economic Growth at the Crossroads and the Steady State Solution: Brian Czech, Herman Daly (introduction)
- Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy – CASSE
- Discover the Steady State Economy – Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy – CASSE
- Overcoming the Multiple Legacies of European Colonialism: Can The West Survive Its Most Cherished Historical Myths?
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Transition Studies 