Futures

Exploring Kate Soper’s Vision for Sustainable Living in ‘Post-Growth Living’, (from page 20230109.)

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Keywords

Themes

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Summary

The review of Kate Soper’s book, ‘Post-Growth Living: For an Alternative Hedonism’, emphasizes the need for a transformation in consumer behavior in the global North to combat climate change. Soper critiques traditional consumer capitalism for its negative impact on mental health and well-being, proposing an ‘alternative hedonism’ that focuses on sustainable pleasure derived from reduced consumption. The book advocates for a cultural shift towards shared public goods and a redefinition of citizenship that prioritizes well-being over consumption. Soper’s agenda includes promoting social consumption, redefining work, and reclaiming public spaces, aiming to resonate with those affected by economic stagnation and the climate crisis. The review concludes by noting the importance of developing a new language to discuss economic growth and sustainability in the context of climate emergency.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Shift towards alternative hedonism Emphasis on lifestyle changes that enhance happiness while reducing consumption. From a high-consumption lifestyle to one focused on well-being and reduced environmental impact. In ten years, society may prioritize leisure and community over material possessions, leading to a happier populace. Growing awareness of climate change and mental health issues drives the search for sustainable happiness. 4
Reclaiming public spaces Movement towards reclaiming urban spaces for public use rather than private consumption. From privatized urban areas to shared spaces that promote community interaction and well-being. Public spaces may become central to community life, reducing reliance on consumption for social interaction. Desire for community and social interaction in response to isolation and consumer-driven lifestyles. 4
Changing views on work and consumption A shift in how work and consumption are perceived, focusing on well-being rather than productivity. From a work-centric culture to one that values free time and social well-being. Work may become more flexible and focused on quality of life, leading to a healthier work-life balance. The need for better mental health and life satisfaction encourages changes in work culture and consumption. 5
Reduced emphasis on economic growth A growing recognition that economic growth may not be sustainable or desirable. From a growth-focused economy to one that prioritizes sustainability and well-being. Economic models may evolve to prioritize ecological health and social equity over GDP growth. The climate crisis and social inequalities push for new economic paradigms that transcend traditional growth metrics. 5
Emerging social norms around consumption Shift towards valuing shared resources and experiences over individual ownership. From consumerism and ownership to sharing and collective enjoyment. Society may widely embrace sharing economies, leading to reduced resource consumption and enhanced community bonds. A collective desire for sustainability and community connection drives new consumption norms. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Behavioral Change Resistance Resistance to changes in consumer behavior necessary for climate change mitigation, viewed as politically unacceptable by many. 4
Mental Health Crisis The increase in depression and mental illness among consumers in capitalist societies, potentially exacerbated by consumer culture. 4
Health Effects from Consumption Rising rates of consumption-related health issues, such as obesity and allergies, indicating unsustainable lifestyles. 4
Inequality in Environmental Impact The disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on the poor while the rich continue to consume resources. 5
Dependency on Consumerism for Meaning Consumerism’s role in constructing meaning and social status, complicating the transition to sustainable living. 3
Technology and Job Displacement The potential for technology to reinforce existing power imbalances instead of reducing work hours and improving quality of life. 4
Public Space Privatisation The ongoing privatisation of public spaces that limits access and exacerbates social inequality. 4
Language Framing Challenges The challenge of finding a new language to discuss the need for degrowth and sustainable living without invoking entrenched economic growth ideologies. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Alternative Hedonism A lifestyle that prioritizes pleasure and happiness through reduced consumption and sustainable practices. 5
Social Emulation of Sustainable Practices Encouraging individuals to adopt sustainable behaviors through social influence and status recognition. 4
Public Goods Advocacy A shift towards recognizing and restoring public goods that benefit all, regardless of social class. 5
Less Work, More Life A cultural shift advocating for more personal time and less emphasis on work as a measure of value. 4
Reclaiming Public Space Advocating for the restoration of public spaces that enhance community interaction and reduce privatization. 4
Curbing Consumerism for Well-being Promoting well-being through reduced production and consumption of goods that harm the environment. 5
Political Reformation of Consumption Revising the political framework that defines citizens primarily as consumers, promoting a citizenship model that fosters collective goods. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
A lifestyle movement advocating for pleasure in a low-consumption, sustainable manner, emphasizing happiness over material wealth. 4 71cbf82b85b58a6675d05308f8e1759e
A shift from private to shared consumption, focusing on public goods that benefit all social classes and promote well-being. 5 71cbf82b85b58a6675d05308f8e1759e
A reimagining of work structures to promote equality and participation, potentially linked to Green New Deal initiatives. 4 71cbf82b85b58a6675d05308f8e1759e
Strategies to reclaim privatized land for public use, promoting transparency and community ownership. 3 71cbf82b85b58a6675d05308f8e1759e
Emerging societal trends indicating shifts in consumer behavior and values towards sustainability, often not yet reflected in data. 4 71cbf82b85b58a6675d05308f8e1759e

Issues

name description relevancy
Consumer Behavior Change A necessary shift in consumer behavior towards sustainability and reduction of consumption to combat climate change. 5
Alternative Hedonism The concept of finding pleasure in reduced consumption and sustainable living as a means to improve well-being. 4
Public Goods Restoration The need to reclaim and restore public goods and spaces that have been privatized to ensure equitable access for all. 5
Redefining Economic Growth Challenging the traditional notion of economic growth in favor of managed degrowth to address climate emergencies. 4
Work-Life Balance Reevaluation The importance of reassessing work-life balance and advocating for more personal time over consumerism. 4
Political Shift Towards Sustainability A potential political realignment towards sustainability, seen in the rise of parties like the Greens and Welsh Labour. 3
Social Consumption Models The exploration of alternative consumption models that promote social sharing and fulfillment of human needs without overconsumption. 4
Cultural Reconstruction The need to reconstruct human political culture to prioritize sustainability over consumerism. 5