Stephan Lessenich is a sociologist focusing on society in the post-growth era. His work examines the social and political consequences of perpetual economic expansion. Lessenich analyzes how the culture of continuous growth shapes us and what strategies we can employ to overcome it. He emphasizes critical thinking and the pursuit of alternative societal models.
Exploring the implications of aging in contemporary societies, this open access book combines insights from psychology, gerontology, and sociology. It offers a multifaceted perspective on old age, challenging conventional notions of aging as a negative phenomenon. By examining the societal aspects of aging, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of how societies can experience aging collectively and its potential impacts.
At the heart of developed societies lies an insatiable drive for wealth and prosperity. Yet in a world ruled by free-market economics, there are always winners and losers. The benefits enjoyed by the privileged few come at the expense of the many. In this important new book, Stephan Lessenich shows how our wealth and affluence are built overwhelmingly at the expense of those in less-developed countries and regions of the world. His theory of ‘externalization’ demonstrates how the negative consequences of our lifestyles are directly transferred onto the world’s poorest. From the destruction of habitats caused by the massive increase in demand for soy and palm oil to the catastrophic impact of mining, Lessenich shows how the Global South has borne the brunt of our success. Yet, as we see from the mass movements of people across the world, we can no longer ignore the environmental and social toll of our prosperity. Lessenich’s highly original account of the structure and dynamics of global inequality highlights the devastating consequences of the affluent lifestyles of the West and reminds us of our far-reaching political responsibilities in an increasingly interconnected world.