Living well at others' expense : the hidden costs of Western prosperity
Lessenich, Stephan2019
Book
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.
Main title:
Living well at others' expense : the hidden costs of Western prosperity / Stephan Lessenich ; translated by Nick Somers with the assistance of Stephan Lessenich.
Author:
Lessenich, Stephan, authorSomers, Nick, translator
Imprint:
Cambridge : Polity, [2019]©2019
Collation:
184 pages ; 23 cm
Notes:
First published in German as "Neben uns die Sintflut. Die Externalisierungsgesellschaft und ihr Preis" © Hanser Berlin im Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich, 2016.Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN:
9781509525621 (hbk)9781509525621 (hardback)
Dewey class:
339.22
LC class:
HM831
Language:
EnglishGerman
Added title:
Subject:
BRN:
763015
| Location | Collection | Call number | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathleen Syme Carlton | -Business and IT | BUSIN 339.22 LESS | Available |