Towards a Theory of Change to guide a New Politics and Economics
Our governments have, for decades, failed to address the housing crisis, crisis of inequality, climate and nature crisis and the wider cultural malaise. Changing which party is in power does not seem enough to address this. Some say this is because our politics is ‘broken’, but what if it is just doing exactly what it is intended to do, for those it serves?
Simply doing our best may not be good enough. Our politics and campaigning should be informed be sufficient strategies, or ‘ theories of change’ . That is plans that can reset politics and economics such that it is able to deal with the crises of inequality and lack participation at the very same time as curbing our overproduction and overconsumption that risks both political and planetary breakdown.
Recognising and then closing the gap between our mounting inequality and worsening planetary crises requires us to extract our society from the current dominant economic worldviews and the way this works with (liberal/representative) democracy to block this from happening. Bringing about sufficient change must include rethinking politics and releasing it from the grip of growthist economics. A completely different worldview is required to inspire and be brought forward by hope-fuelled political activism. This is explored through the two linked parts of this paper. The first part explores why the current democratic political system is insufficient to address the crises that we face, let alone realise the multiple benefits possible from doing so realistically and democratically.
The second part explores why a completely different way to frame ‘climate justice’ is needed for our economic system. We will not secure a decent quality of life for all within climate and nature limits unless that is what we prioritise. Sufficient climate action is not possible without addressing growing inequality – and that in turn is not possible without sufficient climate action.
We do not make these points lightly but honestly, based on our realistic assessment of our predicament and how we might best respond in ways that increase democracy, justice and freedom.
‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced’ – James Baldwin
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