Prosperity Without Growth—Foundations for the Economy of Tomorrow
Tim Jackson’s ground-breaking book Prosperity without Growth stands as an eloquent summary of the key ideas and core vision of his research and policy work over three decades. It was first published as a report to the UK government in 2009 and rapidly became a landmark in the sustainability debate, translated into 18 foreign languages. Tim’s piercing challenge to conventional economics openly questioned the most highly prized goal of politicians and economists alike: the continued pursuit of exponential economic growth. Its findings provoked controversy, inspired debate and led to a new wave of research building on its arguments and conclusions.
This substantially revised and re-written edition updates those arguments and considerably expands upon them. Jackson demonstrates that building a ‘post-growth’ economy is not a Utopia—it’s a precise, definable and meaningful task. Starting from clear first principles, he sets out the dimensions of that task: the nature of enterprise; the quality of our working lives; the structure of investment; and the role of the money supply. He shows how the economy of tomorrow may be transformed in ways that protect employment, facilitate social investment, reduce inequality and deliver both ecological and financial stability.
Twelve years after it was first published, Prosperity without Growth is no longer a radical narrative whispered by a marginal fringe, but an essential vision of social progress in a post-crisis world. Fulfilling that vision is simply the most urgent task of our times.
Content
Prologue :: 1 The limits to growth :: 2 Prosperity lost :: 3 Redefining prosperity :: 4 The dilemma of growth :: 5 The myth of decoupling :: 6 The ‘iron cage’ of consumerism :: 7 Flourishing – within limits :: 8 Foundations for the economy of tomorrow :: 9 Towards a ‘post-growth’ macroeconomics :: 10 The progressive State :: 11 A lasting prosperity
Book Links
Reviews
“It’s hard to improve a classic, but Jackson has done it.” — Herman Daly
“Essential reading for those refusing to succumb to a dystopic future.” — Yanis Varoufakis
“[A] thoughtful and penetrating critique.” — Noam Chomsky
“Cuts through the intellectual clamour with clarity, courage – and hope.” — Naomi Klein
“There isn’t a better exposition out there of why and how we need to move beyond growth.” — Caroline Lucas
“One of the most important essays of our generation.” — Rowan Williams
Other Books
- Post Growth. Life after Capitalism. Cambridge: Polity Press. (2021).
- Material Concerns. Pollution, Profit and Quality of Life. London: Routledge (1996).
