The political economy of (un)sustainable production and consumption: A multidisciplinary synthesis for research and action

Mathai, Manu V. and Isenhour, Cindy and Stevis, Dimitris and Vergragt, Philip and Bengtsson, Magnus and Lorek, Sylvia and Mortensen, Lars Fogh and Coscieme, Luca and Scott, David and Waheed, Ambreen and Alfredsson, Eva (2021) The political economy of (un)sustainable production and consumption: A multidisciplinary synthesis for research and action. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 167. p. 105265. ISSN 09213449

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Abstract

Despite widespread recognition of the need to transition toward more sustainable production and consumption and numerous initiatives to that end, global resource extraction and corresponding socio-ecological degradation continue to grow. Understanding the causes of this persistent failure is a necessary step towards more effective action. This article contributes to that understanding by synthesizing theory and evidence that links unsustainable production-consumption systems to power and inequality. While sustainable consumption and production research and action mostly focuses on technological or behavioral change, the socio-ecological inequalities driving production-consumption systems built into the organization of our global political economy, remain largely overlooked. In response, we propose a structural political economy orientation that seeks explicitly to reduce these inequalities and advance environmental justice and, thus, create the conditions for sustainable production-consumption systems. We then propose three important arenas of research and action towards sustainable production-consumption systems: justice, governance, and co-production of knowledge and action. These arenas, collectively and individually, can serve as entry points to study and act on the dynamics of (un)sustainable production-consumption systems. This can be done at the micro level, with respect to specific commodity chains or systems of provisioning, or at meso and macro levels with respect to national and global production networks. Our proposed orientation helps distinguish research and practice proposals into those emphasizing management and compensation resulting often in persistence of unsustainability, from those proffering structural changes in unsustainable production-consumption systems. We invite critique and collaboration to develop this research and action agenda further.

Item Type:	Article
Authors:	Mathai, Manu V. and Isenhour, Cindy and Stevis, Dimitris and Vergragt, Philip and Bengtsson, Magnus and Lorek, Sylvia and Mortensen, Lars Fogh and Coscieme, Luca and Scott, David and Waheed, Ambreen and Alfredsson, Eva
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Social sciences > Economics > International economics Social sciences > Economics > Production > Sustainable development Social sciences > Economics > Macroeconomics & related topics > Factors affecting income and wealth
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > School of Development
Full Text Status:	None
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/7168
Publisher URL:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105265

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