How Stories, Myths, and Religion Influence Economics
Dionysus, god of ecstasy, and the tension between work and freedom.
There are numerous proposals describing what a post-growth economy may look like or should look like. Doughnut Economics proposes that we need to meet the needs of people without overshooting ecological limits. This is consistent with the Limits to Growth report and its suggestion for an economy in equilibrium. A state of equilibrium is also pursued by advocates for a steady-state economy, which envisages an economy that maintains relatively constant population and wealth within ecological limits. Degrowth advocates argue that we have exceeded ecological limits and need to reduce wealth and population to a sustainable level. Gift economy proponents suggest a shift from transactional relationships to reciprocal, mutually beneficial relationships. I could go on and describe the wellbeing economy, Indigenous economics, economic localization, regenerative economics, circular economy and many others.
In my view, all of these constructs are valid and represent a particular perspective that contributes positively to a common desired post-growth future. I propose that it is time to synthesize these ideas into a clear vision of the future together with a coherent strategy for realizing that vision.
