Overview

Global warming and the depletion of natural resources are widely recognized as the major threats to the future of industrial society and the survival of human species. However, this environmental destruction is paired with an often-overlooked deterioration of psychosocial wellbeing. In spite of the rapid material success of the last two centuries, mental disorders have become one of the leading causes of death and disability in industrial societies. Depression, anxiety, stress and distrust are increasing. This original and compelling book explores the links between ecological collapse and psychosocial decay. It argues that the power and profit driven nature of contemporary notions of progress cause five damaging behaviours which in turn contribute to both types of breakdown: excessive consumerism mass conformity pervasive inequalities civic disengagement eco-estrangement. Having identified and analyzed the major problems of the current model of human development, this book discusses the implications for action and societal change, concluding that we must redefine 'progress' and overcome the inertia of our model of development by tailoring society around a new organizing principle. It will be of interest to researchers and students of ecology, psychology, public health, epidemiology, human development, political philosophy, economics, sociology and politics.

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9780415490696

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Reviews

'Concerned for the future of humanity? Then read this book. Others cover just one aspect of the political, social, environmental and economic challenge facing humanity. But the transformation we so urgently need must start from an understanding of the interlocking system as a whole. With his breadth of vision, fearlessness and unerring eye for the truth, this is what De Vogli provides.' — Richard Wilkinson, Author of 'The Spirit Level' 'If you think the world's current economic problems are just a blip, with normal service soon to be resumed, think again. As De Vogli brilliantly and succinctly reveals in this wide-ranging panorama of a book, the way we live now is simply not sustainable. In the absence of desperately urgent action that redefines our relationship with the planet, the future looks endlessly bleak; that is, of course, if we have any future at all.' — Bill McGuire, Author of 'Seven Years To Save the Planet' 'De Vogli is one of the new ecological thinkers who show that climate change is the most dangerous product of Western corporate capitalism. In a masterful and highly accessible historical review of the development of corporate globalization, he shows that any struggle to save the planet requires a direct confrontation with the Wall Street elites and neo-liberal ideologues who created and now rule our unsustainable world economy. De Vogli shows that the world's prospects for survival depend now on repudiating the 'market greed' driving our elites and our own psyches, recanting the religion of growth, and crafting a new post-consumerist economy based on equality and our non-market needs for social fulfillment.' — Charles Derber, Author of 'Greed to Green' ‘The story of our generation is the social destructiveness of markets ‘free’ to operate in the interests of the few rather than under the control of society as a whole. In Progress or Collapse that story is told and analyzed with insight, revealing the depth and breadth of what we have lost due to subservience to the ideology of consumerism and greed. Anyone who hopes for a reversal of the current descent into market barbarism should read this book.' — John Weeks, Author of 'Capital, Exploitation and Economic Crises' 'Roberto De Vogli has written a brilliant book that unveils the destructive nature of the so-called 'free market' and neoliberal doctrines so widely admired in mainstream economic circles. Progress or Collapse is a scary, but also stimulating essay that invites reflections, critical thinking and, above all, civic outrage.' — Thom Hartmann, Author of 'The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight'

'Roberto De Vogli has written a brilliant book that unveils the destructive nature of the so-called 'free market' and neoliberal doctrines so widely admired in mainstream economic circles. Progress or Collapse is a scary, but also stimulating essay that invites reflections, critical thinking and, above all, civic outrage.' - Thom Hartmann, Author of 'The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight' 'The story of our generation is the social destructiveness of markets 'free' to operate in the interests of the few rather than under the control of society as a whole. In Progress or Collapse that story is told and analyzed with insight, revealing the depth and breadth of what we have lost due to subservience to the ideology of consumerism and greed. Anyone who hopes for a reversal of the current descent into market barbarism should read this book.' - John Weeks, Author of 'Capital, Exploitation and Economic Crises'

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University College London, UK

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