Counter-Industrial Theories key terms Flashcards
Counter-industrial theories
An umbrella term that encompasses perspectives which agree that the Western model of industrial development is ultimately flawed. e.g Environmentalism, neo-populism- buddhist economics
Environmentalism(ecological theory)
A perspective which concerns itself with the protection of the natural environment. It argues that the western industrial model of development is ecologically unsustainable and leads to irreversable degradation of the environment.
Ecological unsustainability/Environmental degradation
The view that the development activities of human beings are leading to a crisis in the environment in many areas. The crisis can be seen in species loss, degradation of forestland, depletion of water resources and global warming.
Neo-populism
A counter-industrial theory that focuses on the social costs of rapid industrialisation. For example:
- loss of employment - mechanisation requires fewer people to perform the same amount of labour
- destruction of communities - industrialisation drives urbanisation. This can create alienation and problems with crime, substance abuse and mental illness.
De-skilling
A concept used to denote the stripping away from workers of traditional skills. Neo-populism argues that the mechanisation and factory system associated with industrialisation lead to the loss of skilled and fulfilling types of work.
First nation people
First nations people in Canada and the USA are the people who used to be called indians, but this term is now considered incorrect by some. Early European explorers thought they were in India when they landed in North America, so they called the original inhabitants “indians”. Many people who were misnamed Indians now prefer to be called First Nations.
People Centered Development
Development strategies associated with the Counter-industrial theories that focus on individuals and communities, attempting to develop and improve, not replace, local industries and lifestyles.
In a nutshell: improving not replacing.
Intermediate technologies
Technological processes based not on the capital-intensive technology of the developed nations, but on the processes which, though efficient, still make use of human labour and are environmentally sustainable.
Intermediate technology is thought particularly appropiate for use in developing countries, which need the application of technology to make production more efficient, but which have limited capital and a large labour force to employ. Many of the systems which have been developed ensure that they are sufficiently simple to be repaired quickly and easily using readily available materials.
as most of the applications of intermediate technology cause far less damage to the environment than much advanced technology it is increasingly suggested that intermediate technology is just as relevant to the first world as the third world.
Micro-credit/micro-finance
Initatives which make small loans available to people who would otherwise be unable to access credit to invest in businesses.
Fallacy of composition
Microfinance ignores the ‘fallacy of composition’. Supporting one street-seller to buy larger quantities of stock at lower prices may make sense for that individual, but if everyone does it, the market becomes saturated and retail prices (and incomes) are driven down.
