ABSTRACT
We live in a world characterised by the unfortunate reality that economic and social inequalities within and between countries and societies are increasing and escalating risks to livelihoods and well-being are a growing concern. This is particularly apparent in urban spaces where economic disadvantage reflects the absence of care and associated livelihood and survival challenges. This makes economic interventions to improve the well-being of society a critical imperative for planners. This chapter overviews the emerging recognition of the need to have a human-centred conceptualisation of development, livelihoods and the nature of work, but it also needs to be one that embraces sustainability considerations. The chapter goes on to consider a range of emerging alternatives to the economic mainstream, which directly or indirectly are grounded in notions of care, societal and planetary well-being and the quest for social justice.
