ABSTRACT
For much of development’s history, it has aimed toward economic growth and poverty reduction. Yet, the two aims have proven contradictory. Within development, economic growth should not be a focus. An economy encompasses far more than growing money. Economics at its most basic is the study of how to distribute resources. FBDOs can play an important role in shifting the economic conversation and expanding the conversation beyond economics. This chapter presents some economic history, capitalism today, and suggests alternative economic foci. Beginning with an analysis of the economic system is important because in our current global situation, the economic system wields far more power than governments and civil society. In terms of economics, poverty and wealth should be eradicated achieving an economic situation where people are empowered rather than dominated. The assumptions and practices of capitalism have not been dominant through history. Other economic systems existed and continue on a small scale today. Capitalism has congealed power in parts of the global North. Development practitioners need to articulate this harm and how alternatives can shift the structures. In particular, poorer communities highlight the need for economic democracy.
