L’économie face à ses pulsions de mort

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the article is to determine to what extent the concept of the death drive proposed by Freud is useful in the analysis of economic issues. MethodTwo materials are used. The first is theoretical, it is the book Capitalisme et pulsion de mort published by Gilles Dostaler and Bernard Maris in 2009. The second is empirical, and relates to the policies of austerity implemented in Europe in recent years. ResultsThe economic relevance of the notion of the death drive seems to be established. According to Dostaler and Maris, the death drive underpins a variety of economic phenomena (work, investment, consumption, savings…) that define capitalism. Likewise, we consider that the austerity policies in Europe are another example of the death drive since they are an attempt to return to economies at an earlier stage of development. DiscussionThe discussion revolves around the scope for alternative policies to those based on the death drive. Our proposals are based on ecology, working time reduction, and coordinated policies at European level. ConclusionsNeither capitalism left to its own devices nor austerity policies are sources of individual happiness or a harmonious functioning of society. Policies favourable to life instincts are theoretically possible, but they are difficult to implement.