[STS] M2: Human Flourishing in Progress and De-development

Orthodox economists

insist that all we need is yet more growth. More progressive types tell us that we need to shift some of the yields of growth from the richer segments of the population to the poorer ones, evening things out a bit.

Economist Peter Edward

He argues that instead of pushing poorer countries to “catch up” with rich ones, we should be thinking of ways to get rich countries to “catch down” to more appropriate levels of development.

overconsumption in rich countries.

In other words, growth isn’t an option any more – we’ve already grown too much. Scientists are now telling us that we’re blowing past planetary boundaries at breakneck speed. And the hard truth is that this global crisis is due almost entirely to _______.

Jason Hickel

His development framework focused on de-development

De-development

Jason Hickel’s concept of this is discussed as an alternative to narrowing the gap between rich and poor countries.

Development

Economic growth, technological advancement.

Ex: GDP, HDI

• Catch Up

• Catch Down

Critiques of Jason Hickel of Development

Catch up

It is the idea that poor countries should follow the path of rich countries.

Robert and Edward Skidelsky

The west has its own tradition of reflection on the good life and it’s time we revive it. ________ take us down this road in his book How Much is Enough? where they lay out the possibility of interventions such as banning advertising, a shorter working week and a basic income, all of which would improve our lives while reducing consumption.

Catch down

A concept where rich countries reduce overconsumption and adjust to sustainable levels of development instead of pushing poor countries to “catch up.”

buen vivir (“good living”)

Inspired by indigenous Latin American traditions, _______ offers a vision of wellbeing based on sustainability and balance rather than accumulation.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduced with the objective of eradicating poverty by 2030. Despite the hype and global attention, including endorsements from figures like Beyoncé, One Direction, and Malala

Quality

A measure of progress focused on wellbeing, happiness, sustainability, and meaningful living rather than material accumulation.

Quantity

A measure of progress based on ever-increasing income, consumption, and GDP growth, which does not necessarily improve human happiness or sustainability.

De-development

Jason Hickel’s framework that calls for rich countries to scale down overconsumption and unsustainable growth, promoting a shift toward ecological balance and equitable human flourishing.