At last a coherent new set of ideas for critics of economic rationalism and globalisation. Hamilton argues that an obsession with economic growth lies at the heart of our current political, social and environmental ills - and offers a thought-provoking alternative.
'Right on target, and badly needed' - Noam Chomsky
'Every now and then a book that is perfect in timing and tone hits my desk. Growth Fetish is that book. It is powerful and potentially transformative.' - Rev. Tim Costello
'This book reveals the undelivered reality of economic growth and the hollow mantras of the Third Way. Growth Fetish provides a much needed road map to a new politics in a post-growth world.' - Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
For decades our political leaders and opinion makers have touted higher incomes as the way to a better future. Economic growth means better lives for us all. But after many years of sustained economic growth and increased personal incomes we must confront an awful fact: we aren't any happier. This is the great contradiction of modern politics.
In this provocative new book, Clive Hamilton argues that, far from being the answer to our problems, growth fetishism and the marketing society lie at the heart of our social ills. They have corrupted our social priorities and political structures, and have created a profound sense of alienation among young and old.
Growth Fetish is the first serious attempt at a politics of change for rich countries dominated by the sicknesses of affluence, where the real yearning is not for more money but for authentic identity, and where the future lies in a new relationship with the natural environment.
Author bio:
Clive Hamilton is Executive Director of The Australia Institute, Australia's foremost public interest think tank. Trained in economics and politics, he also holds academic positions at the Australian National University and the University of Technology Sydney.
Category:
Current Affairs & Politics
ISBN:
9781741140781
Table Of Contents:
Introduction
1. Growth fetishism
The growth fetish
Economists on wellbeing
The great contradiction
Political implications
2. Growth and wellbeing
Income
Personal happiness
Values and meaning
Alternative measures
3. Identity
Having and wanting
Consumption and the modern self
Marketing
Overconsumption
4. Progress
The idea of progress
Oppression and liberation
Globalisation
5. Politics
The Third Way
The power of economic ideas
Power and equality
6. Work
Rethinking work
The new labour market
In praise of housework
Work in a post-growth world
7. Environment
The voraciousness of growth
The conquering spirit
A philosophical transition
Environmentalism and social democracy
8. The post-growth society
Eudemonism: the politics of happiness
The e
Publisher:
Allen & Unwin
Imprint:
Allen & Unwin
Pub Date:
April 2003
Page Extent:
280
Format:
Paperback - B format
Subject:
Social issues & processes