ABSTRACT

This chapter examines some major social changes relating to contemporary conditions of life upon earth. The proliferation of new forms of production is transforming global capitalism, from a capitalism of production to a capitalism of fascination. Under neo-liberalism, the production sphere appears to be no longer constrained by its resource base but relies on the pro-active production of an endless series of new desires in new places. The chapter deals especially with emerging social contradictions that stem from shifts within contemporary capitalism, from societies of discipline to societies of control, from specialized and differentiated zones of consumption to mobile, de-differentiated consumptions of fascination and excess, and from low carbon to high carbon societies. It argues that high carbon economy/society of twentieth century, focused upon the creation of new needs, new desires and fascinating environments especially during the neo-liberal period at the century's end. Central to changing climates is the reconfiguring of economy and society around 'mobilities' and 'constructed environments'.