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Here is a thread to summarise the "Degrowth: Socialism without growth" paper I wrote with @g_kallis.
https://braveneweurope.com/timothee-parrique-giorgos-kallis-degrowth-socialism-without-growth#sdfootnote1sym
/THREAD
https://braveneweurope.com/timothee-parrique-giorgos-kallis-degrowth-socialism-without-growth#sdfootnote1sym
/THREAD
1/ Claim 1: Any form of endless growth is ecologically unsustainable
Because: decoupling is limited
Implications: a sustainable socialism is a socialism without growth
Because: decoupling is limited
Implications: a sustainable socialism is a socialism without growth
2/ Claim 2: Growth requires accumulation and accumulation comes with exploitation
Because: the expansion of the market sphere puts pressure on reproductive activities
Implications: if socialism means the end of exploitation, it also means the end of endless accumulation
Because: the expansion of the market sphere puts pressure on reproductive activities
Implications: if socialism means the end of exploitation, it also means the end of endless accumulation
3/ Claim 3: Prosperity without growth is possible because use values do not grow
Because: most human needs are qualitative and abide to thresholds of sufficiency, e.g. enough food to be healthy
Implications: Maximising GDP is not an effective strategy to maximise welfare
Because: most human needs are qualitative and abide to thresholds of sufficiency, e.g. enough food to be healthy
Implications: Maximising GDP is not an effective strategy to maximise welfare
4/ Conclusions: Degrowth and (eco)socialism are natural allies, not adversaries. Instead of wasting energy squabbling, it's time for a renewal of critical theory, one that builds on Marxism and Degrowth.
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