Economic Growth Paradigm Research Articles

Current Global Challenges in the Context of the Development of Local Communities

One of the current challenges of the current generation is the globalization process that inevitably leads to the rethinking (conceptual reconstruction) of the paradigm of economic growth and development at local, regional, national, European and global level, with a direct impact on biodiversity at local level. The challenge, on the one hand, of the depletion and / or deterioration of resources (especially natural ones and ecosystems) and, on the other hand, our optimization model - maximizing objective functions at the level of economic actors - is of a nature to advocate a radical change in the options and means we address this important activity of the individual and society: economic activity in the context of biodiversity describes the whole range of economic activities directly dependent on the variability of living organisms within an ecological complex. Biodiversity as defined in the literature includes the diversity of the ecosystem and the genetic diversity of a species in this ecosystem, which determines us to describe the current challenges based on this consideration. It is obvious, at the same time, which economic activity can no longer be perceived in itself as a mode governed by discreet rationality distinct from others, rationality based on a consistent and sufficient logic. Logic and economic rationality must accept, under the pressure of global biodiversity problems, a permanent and fundamental communication with the other logic of individual and social behavior at the local level. In addition, they must accept the possibility and the desirability of re-evaluations, repositions or even reimbursements in the light of the new paradigms of the economic process that is carried out in the context of biodiversity at the local level.

Tending to destinations: Conceptualising tourism’s transformative capacities

This article is a theoretical contribution to inform scholarship on tourism destination development and dynamics. Our point of departure is the prevailing linear ‘economic growth paradigm’ animating tourism development discourse and practice. Through this discourse, people, landscapes, heritage and artefacts become valued as commodities and claims laid to tourism benefits emerge as objective, measurable facts. We contend that this discourse relies on an understanding of tourism resources and entrepreneurial activities as pure social constructs, which does not fully grasp the dynamics of emergent tourism realities and destinations’ transformative capacities. We argue for alternative conceptualisations of tourism that equip tourism scholars with the conceptual tools to grasp the plurality of tourism futures. These involve ‘vital materialism’ built on a relational ontology foregrounding the creative life force that permeates us and all that surrounds us. We conclude with outlining the implications this approach has for the discussion of tourism destination development. We argue that these conceptual tools will lay the foundations for ethically sound tourism development in times of global uncertainties from the perspective of people, their commitments and aspirations and the environment.

Planetary health in the Anthropocene.

The idea that the Holocene is over and a new human-dominated geological epoch, the Anthropocene, is in progress has been widely discussed. The article aims to outline the published definitions and current patterns on the Anthropocene, highlighting an agenda of emerging risks, challenges and possibilities for the health of the world's population in this new era. We performed a review on the complexities of planetary health in the Anthropocene, which generated 42 initial references for full-text reading; we selected 25 of them and carried out analysis and interpretation. Anthropogenic activities have increasing impacts on the environment and a fundamental change in the relationship between humans and the terrestrial system, in many ways that exert intentional and unintentional influences on natural and social processes. The burgeoning literature on health promotion and global public health talks about the anthropogenic forces, claiming a solid critical theory of action to confront, modify and reduce the deleterious effects of such forces. For that reason, the 23rd IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion, scheduled to be held in New Zealand in 2019, emphasizes the theme 'Promoting Planetary Health and Sustainable Development for All'. It recognizes that the current paradigm of economic unlimited growth and exploitation of limited natural resources is unfair and unsustainable, leading to geopopulational and temporal inequities between generations.

Sustainable consumption and growth: Examining complementary perspectives

PurposeBy drawing attention to the finite rather than unlimited nature of physical resources, the purpose of this paper is to: examine the implications of the (near absolute) emphasis placed on firm growth on sustainable consumption; and discuss complementary perspectives spanning individual, firm and societal levels that allow for both firm growth and sustainable consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe authors integrate multidisciplinary insights from marketing, sociology, environmental sciences, management and economics, to understand the inherent tensions between unchecked firm growth, consumption and sustainability. Five propositions link production, consumption and marketing from a resource standpoint.FindingsA ceaseless economic growth paradigm and overconsumption causes an unwarranted depletion of resources and is at odds with sustainability. Firms can play an important role by guiding future marketing and production toward sustainable ends. Several alternate perspectives support the case that growth may coexist and align with sustainable consumption. Consequently the authors consolidate and reflect on seven approaches (voluntary simplicity, humane consumption, CSR 2.0, social marketing, marketing 3.0, anti-positional economy and degrowth) that hold promise for achieving sustainability via responsible growth and consumption.Originality/valueThe authors consider the complex triad of growth, consumption and sustainability that spans multiple levels. A focus on the pattern and nature of growth and consumption helps to identify its effects on sustainability. Specifically, two value chain activities – production and marketing may be leveraged as firm level initiatives to achieve sustainable goals. In addition, the authors present seven heterogeneous perspectives that complement firm attempts to achieve growth with sustainable consumption. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

“Degrowth” vs. Other Types of Growth: Labeling Affects Emotions but Not Attitudes

ABSTRACTQuestioning the compatibility of economic growth and environmental sustainability, some scholars and activists call for a degrowth strategy. This idea presents an attack on the economic growth paradigm, and it has thus raised considerable attention. Yet, although many agree with questioning economic growth, a debate continues as to whether the term “degrowth” is (dis)advantageous in wider public communications. This debate, however, lacks empirical evidence. Here, we present two studies on how “degrowth” is perceived compared to other relevant terms. In Study 1, we show that “degrowth” elicits more negative affective and emotional reactions compared to “post-growth” and “prosperity without growth.” In Study 2, we find that the effects of labeling on attitudes and voting intentions toward a sustainable economy are relatively small. These initial results suggest that “degrowth” may evoke somewhat more negative emotional reactions than similar terms, but this may not have significant consequences. We discuss the results and draw implications for communication and further research.

How big is big enough? Toward a sustainable future by examining alternatives to the conventional economic growth paradigm

AbstractThis study addresses how the sustainability crisis may be overcome by using alternatives to the conventional economic growth paradigm. Based on a literature review, the paper identifies and discusses three alternatives, namely negative, zero and positive economic growth. These alternatives are compared from a feasibility and policy perspective in relation to the transition toward sustainable development. The three alternatives are associated with very far‐reaching sets of policies that have different focal points with regard to how the paradigm shift from the conventional growth paradigm can be realized. All these alternatives, however, challenge the effectiveness of market forces. The shortcomings of the alternatives (resistance to voluntary transition with negative or zero growth, no proper consideration of the rebound effect for positive growth) hinder the transition and must be further addressed by policy‐makers in public and private sectors, as well as by civil society.

Taking the First Steps beyond GDP: Maryland’s Experience in Measuring “Genuine Progress”

Gross Domestic Product’s (GDP) limitations as a prosperity indicator are now widely recognized, leading to a search for “beyond-GDP” alternatives. The US state of Maryland has calculated one such alternative, the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), since 2010. What effect is Maryland’s GPI having in practice? Is there any evidence to date that the GPI has shaped policy and public priorities in ways that live up to its supporters’ hopes—whether for a transformative shift beyond the economic-growth paradigm or simply better policymaking? What key obstacles exist to fulfilling those goals? This article draws on semi-structured interviews with elite respondents—including Maryland’s former governor, senior public servants, academics, non-governmental organization employees and foundation leaders—involved in producing, advocating and using the GPI, along with analysis of relevant documents. Although significant impacts on policy are not yet evident and a change of governor has removed high-level support, the GPI initiative has revealed innovative possibilities for more environmentally and socially minded policymaking and introduced new ideas with potential long-term impacts. However, various challenges remain, including strengthening the political constituency behind the GPI, more deeply embedding it into the policymaking process and addressing the GPI’s own limitations in supporting a beyond-GDP economic narrative.

A Study on Financial Inclusion in Indian Regional Rural Banks

Financial inclusion is the delivery of financial services at affordable costs to vast sections of disadvantaged and low income groups. The lower income category has been living under the constant shadow of financial duress mainly because of the absence of savings. Presence of banking services and products aims to provide a critical tool to inculcate the habit to save. The issue of financial inclusion is emerging as the new paradigm of economic growth. Access to a bank account is a first step toward broader financial inclusion since it allows people to save, send money and receive payments. This paper is mainly aimed to study the financial inclusion and progress of Regional Rural Bank's in India. Further the paper aims to focus on different variables of progress like banking outlets in villages, branchless mode, Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account, Kisan Credit Card, General Credit Card, Information and Communication Technology etc. This paper attempted to study progress report and analysis of different variables from 2013 to 2017. It also attempted to study absolute change in terms of increase/decrease in number of accounts, issue of Kisan Credit Card, General Credit Card from previous year to current year. The outcomes of the paper revealed that different variable have shown positive progress under financial inclusion.

Społeczna polityka mieszkaniowa w poszukiwaniu i urzeczywistnianiu trwałego rozwoju

Post-war anti-social evolution of housing policy becomes an important factor in the post-2008 deepening structural crisis of capitalism and in the end of the market paradigm of economic growth. This speaks for the analysis of social housing policy as a basis for re-evaluation of the paradigm of civilizational development towards better realization of the concept of sustainable development. Shared overreaching goals of sustainable development are best shown through the concept of infrastructure inhabited settlement. In this approach lie methodological possibilities of filling sustainable development with commonly understood social content.

Growth-based Theories for Declining Regions? A Note on Conceptualisations of Demographic Change for Regional Economic Development

This article aims to critically assess the economic growth paradigm, which typically underlies most approaches to regional policymaking for demographic change. While population losses, ageing and outmigration – i.e. phenomena that are addressed as demographic change – have become a matter of urgency for many European regions, most regional economic development theories remain silent about the population decline affecting the economic growth and development prospects of regions. Consequently, regional policies usually rely on the concept of economic growth, yet neglect the complexity and importance of demographic change and how it relates to the economic sphere. Due to this lack in nuance, we argue that regional policymaking fails to design adequate policy support for regions facing persistent demographic change and economic stagnation or decline as a result. Based on these observations, the paper examines a selection of regional economic development theories in search for alternative concepts of growth and development in the context of demographic change. To this aim, globalisation peripheries are introduced as a fruitful conceptual point of reference and, in combination with endogenous regional development theories, discussed as an alternative approach for regional policymaking.

It's not (all) about efficiency: Powering and organizing technology from a degrowth perspective

Transgressions of ecological boundaries and increasing social inequality question the paradigm of continual economic growth guided by technological efficiency - often cited as the only solution to these crises. This paper develops a critical and diversified viewpoint on technology for degrowth. ‘Classical perspectives’ of Illich's convivial society, Elull's critique of technique, Mumford's tools and machines, and Schumacher's critique of gigantic techno-infrastructures are explored and combined with Arendt's instrumentality of technologies and Marxist perspectives on ownership. Two questions are posed regarding technology. First, which technologies are 'suitable' for a degrowth context? Previous frameworks by Illich and Schumacher are extended by ecological aspects to assess the suitability of technologies. Second, how should 'suitable' technologies be structured to enable egalitarian utilization? Here, Schumacher's “intermediate technologies” and ownership are central elements. The frameworks and analysis add value for degrowth activists and bridge the gap scientifically between Marxist views and those of degrowth. In conclusion, technologies in degrowth are suitable if they reduce ecological impact, enhance autonomy and conviviality, and are structurally available in an egalitarian way based on open-access regimes. In the discussion further research questions are posed regarding transforming agents and power relations between grassroots and the state. Limitations of the framework include the role of digital technologies for communication, here treated as electric tools, and the focus on industrialized societies.

Role of banks in financial inclusion in India

Financial inclusion is emerging as a new paradigm of economic growth that plays major role in driving away the poverty from the country. It refers to delivery of banking services to masses including privileged and disadvantaged people at an affordable terms and conditions. Financial inclusion is important priority of the country in terms of economic growth and advanceness of society. It enables to reduce the gap between rich and poor population. In the current scenario financial institutions are the robust pillars of progress, economic growth and development of the economy. The present study aims to examine the impact of financial inclusion on growth of the economy over a period of seven years. Secondary data is used which has been analyzed by multiple regression model as a main statistical tool. Results of the study found positive and significant impact of number of bank branch and Credit deposit ratio on GDP of the country, whereas an insignificant impact has been observed in case of ATMs growth on Indian GDP.

‘Born in the corridors of the OECD’: the forgotten origins of the Club of Rome, transnational networks, and the 1970s in global history

AbstractThis article re-examines a contested chapter in the international and environmental history of the 1970s. Even though largely neglected by historical research and in the public memory, the Club of Rome – widely remembered for its 1972 report The limits to growth – was not only born within the OECD, but was also in its early period strongly influenced by debates within this think tank of the industrialized countries. Using previously overlooked sources, this article analyses this highly unlikely OECD–Club of Rome nexus. It not only offers a privileged view into the social history of international policy-making and the related personal entanglements and ideological transfers at a key moment of post-war history. It also demonstrates that the social, intellectual, and economic turmoil of the late 1960s prompted a rethinking of the economic growth paradigm, even within those technocratic institutions that had aspired to guide the post-war industrial growth regime. The article argues that these links are not only vital for our understanding of the relationship between acquisitive growth capitalism and environmentalism, but also enable a more profound understanding of the role of transnational networks in global history and the appreciation of the place of the 1970s in world history.

The State of the Technological Structure of the Macro-Region and its Technological Development (for example, the North-Caucasian Federal district)

Purpose: in modern conditions development of the region is a necessary element of the transition to the new paradigm of economic growth. It is known that scientific and technological progress, which is the result of the knowledge economy is intended to implement technological innovations that should lead to an increase in productivity, renewal of fixed capital and competitiveness. The status of the regions of the Russian Federation, especially in the North Caucasus Federal district (NCFD), raises the need to identify technological potential, which they have that will allow you to change the structure of the economy, to identify the most important directions of its modernisation, to improve existing technology. Methods: methodological base of research is based on the use of a systematic approach and statistical analysis methods. Applied methods of scientific abstraction, analysis and synthesis, analogies and scientific generalizations. Results: the main task that remains is to solve the North Caucasus Federal district regions is to uncover technological structure, which is dominant. Knowledge of the state of the technological structure of the region will set out its development strategy, which can be based on the use of their own potential or the application of the principles of catch-up development, from the point of view of which it is possible to implement step over through technological modes by conducting innovative and technological policy that will promote a new economy. Conclusions and Relevance: implementation of planned actions is possible with the use of the theory of technological structures. Approach to the study of the region from the position of this theory allows a deeper look at the status of the economic structure of the region (country), trends of its development, to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the place in the technological development of industries, to identify the main (backbone) path of further growth.

Dangerous? Necessary: we must conserve all our native fauna

To conserve all of our native fauna is a dangerous idea because it encompasses all the landscape, not just National Parks and Nature Reserves; all species, not just selected species such as charismatic vertebrates; it impacts on all decisions on the use of the land and the water and everything on it or in it. Acknowledging the conservation problem in principle, and doing many valuable things to recover species near extinction, is so attractive that we can be mesmerised into considering that the problem of the extinction process is being dealt with. In essence, the danger lies in the shortfall of the application of the principles of ecologically sustainable development to conserving all the elements of biodiversity. We have done a great deal as a society to conserve nature, but it is not enough. Natural areas and populations of native wildlife are still shrinking in Australia along with the rest of the world. Evidence now shows that ecosystems services generate economic benefits which exceed those from continued habitat loss to the extent of a benefit:cost ratio of at least 100:1. This is breathtaking; it confirms our intuitive appreciation of nature, it confronts the exploitative developers, and reveals the lie that conserving nature is anti-wealth. Old thinking prevails to tragic results. Respect for the natural environment is a fundamental principle of humanity. Seeing things with fresh eyes is a challenge, and for conservation, that means challenging such assumptions as the primacy of the economic growth paradigm. For a zoologist, it means finding out what is missing from those economic and political arguments that diminish or dismiss conservation concerns, such as knowing the status and ecology of all species, and all the threatening processes affecting the survival of our wildlife.

Analysis of financial inclusion in India

Access to finance by the lower section of society and vulnerable groups is essential for poverty reduction and social cohesion. In India out of 5.92 lakh villages only .49 lakh villages have bank branches. Financial inclusion is considered an important factor for development of society and the country as a whole.This article focuses on the current status of financial inclusion in India, initiatives taken by RBI, Government of India for achieving financial inclusion. After analyzing the facts and figures it was concluded that financial inclusion has become a new paradigm of economic and societal growth which can help in driving away the poverty. No doubt financial inclusion is playing a catalytic role for the economic and social development of society but financial illiteracy, high costs by banks, technology are challenges which need to be overcome.

Degrowth: A “missile word” that backfires?

Language use and cognition are generally underappreciated topics in ecological economics, even if effective communication is essential for social and political impact. To challenge the economic growth paradigm, the concept and term “degrowth” has recently been embraced by various activists and scholars. Drawing on a body of evidence from cognitive science, psychology, and related fields, we argue that using the word degrowth might be disadvantageous in public communications about alternatives to growth. We begin by reviewing arguments in favor of the term. Then we outline three main counterarguments: First, degrowth has a downward orientation which triggers negative initial feelings due to the basic conceptual metaphor “up is good—down is bad”. This puts advocates of an alternative to the growth paradigm in an unfavorable starting position, given that subsequent thought will be unconsciously biased by the initial feeling. Second, more conscious reactions are likely to be negative as well because people unfamiliar with the term will (mis)interpret it as a contraction of the economy, even though it is not always meant as such. Third, degrowth repeats and possibly strengthens the growth frame and may activate undesirable frames associated with economic recessions. To conclude, we briefly discuss alternative terms and summarize key aspects to be considered for more effective communication.

Green Cities and “IT839”: A New Paradigm for Economic Growth in South Korea

The Korean government, like many in Asia, is actively building green cities from scratch—the most famous being Sejong, Songdo, and Cheongna. All these are considered models of green cities and are characterized by similar networked smart technological systems. This research builds on recent scholarly discourse by Anthony Townsend on smart technologies and urban planning, and Sofia T. Shwayri and Simon Joss on the “ubiquitous-eco-city” phenomena in Korea. In particular, it aims to extend Shwayri's hypothesis that the model is developed for export by uncovering the goals of the green city model actors. By tracing the national government's economic growth ICT strategy—“IT839”—and its key industry stakeholders, KT Telecommunications, this paper illuminates how Korea's green city model is being driven by an agenda of horizontal technology transfer in which the government has aimed to extend its traditional markets, and create a new paradigm for economic growth.

"Expandiere oder stirb"

Abstract When, how and why did the expectation of exponential economic growth emerge historically? This article explores this question through a transnational historical analysis of economic and policy-making expertise within the debates of the industrialized countries’ think tank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and its predecessor, the OEEC. It focuses in particular on the setting of growth targets in the years 1952, 1961, and 1970. These targets not only illustrate the escalatory logic of exponential growth but also highlight the changing concepts, justifications, and implications that mark the (re-)making of the economic growth paradigm at key junctures in postwar history.

Think globally, research locally: paradigms and place in agroecological research.

Conducting science for practical ends implicates scientists, whether they wish it or not, as agents in social-ecological systems, raising ethical, economic, environmental, and political issues. Considering these issues helps scientists to increase the relevance and sustainability of research outcomes. As we rise to the worthy call to connect basic research with food production, scientists have the opportunity to evaluate alternative food production paradigms and consider how our research funds and efforts are best employed. In this contribution, we review some of the problems produced by science conducted in service of industrial agriculture and its associated economic growth paradigm. We discuss whether the new concept of "ecological intensification" can rescue the industrial agriculture/growth paradigm and present an emerging alternative paradigm of decentralized, localized, biodiversity-promoting agriculture for a steady-state economy. This "custom fit" agriculture engages constructively with complex and highly localized ecosystems, and we draw from examples of published work to demonstrate how ecologists can contribute by using approaches that acknowledge local agricultural practices and draw on community participation.