ABSTRACT

Utopia in the Anthropocene takes a cross-disciplinary approach to analyse our current world problems, identify the key resistance to change and take the reader step by step towards a more sustainable, equitable and rewarding world. It presents paradigm-shifting models of economics, political decision-making, business organization and leadership and community life. These are supported by psychological evidence, utopian literature and inspirational changes in history.

The Anthropocene is in crisis, because human activity is changing almost everything about life on this planet at an unparalleled pace. Climate change, the environmental emergency, economic inequality, threats to democracy and peace and an onslaught of new technology: these planetwide risks can seem too big to comprehend, let alone manage. Our reckless pursuit of infinite economic growth on a finite planet could even take us towards a global dystopia. As an unprecedented frenzy of change grips the world, the case for utopia is stronger than ever. An effective change plan requires a bold, imaginative vision, practical goals and clarity around the psychological values necessary to bring about a transformation.


This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of the environmental humanities, sustainability studies, ecological economics, organizational psychology, politics, utopian philosophy and literature – and all who long for a better world.

chapter |10 pages

Introduction

The case for utopia

part I|2 pages

The burning platform

chapter 1|16 pages

The Anthropocene crisis

Change mismanaged

part II|2 pages

The growthist world system

chapter 3|19 pages

What keeps the system going?

The economics, business and politics of growthism

chapter 4|15 pages

The wealth fallacy

The psychology and culture of growthism

chapter 5|11 pages

The worst case scenario

Dystopia in the Anthropocene

part III|2 pages

The change plan

chapter 6|13 pages

Step 1

Define the utopian vision (the SEWP model)

chapter 7|14 pages

Step 2

Set goals and establish values

chapter 8|14 pages

Step 3

Support an ecological revolution in economics

chapter 9|11 pages

Step 4

Put wellbeing and community first

chapter 10|13 pages

Step 5

Build a circular democracy (and champion the transvaluation of politics)

chapter 11|11 pages

Step 6

Embrace utopian internationalism

chapter 12|12 pages

Step 7

Help to grow post-growth enterprises

chapter 13|11 pages

Step 8

Manage yourself to utopia (by democratizing leadership and other organizational practices)

chapter 14|14 pages

Step 9

Put psychology to work on transforming our values

chapter 15|15 pages

Step 10

Learn from the utopian imagination

chapter 16|14 pages

Step 11

Think and act like a utopian

chapter 17|12 pages

Step 12

Take heart from history

part IV|2 pages

Conclusion

chapter 18|13 pages

Make the choice

Utopia versus dystopia