From Capitalism to Resourceism: A New Economic Horizon

Social Equity

 "Resourceism envisions a world where Earth's resources are shared for the greater good of all. It challenges capitalist norms, advocating for equity and sustainability in resource distribution, shaping a more inclusive future."

Michael Corthell

In the sphere of economic ideologies, economic ideologies, resourceism emerges as a distinctive perspective, challenging the established notions of capitalism. Rooted in the belief that the Earth's resources are a shared inheritance, resourceism advocates for their equitable distribution to benefit all of humanity. To grasp the essence of resourceism, it's essential to comprehend the terms "resourceist" and "resource-based economy," and to contrast them with their capitalist counterparts.

Defining a Resourceist

A resourceist is an advocate for a socio-economic system founded on the principle that all resources on Earth belong collectively to humanity. They assert that these resources should be distributed fairly for the betterment of all inhabitants of the planet. This contrasts with traditional capitalist ideologies, which emphasize private ownership and market-driven distribution.

Resourceism vs. Capitalism: Core Differences

  1. Ownership and Distribution:

    • Resourceism: Advocates of resourceism assert that all resources are a common inheritance, and thus, should be managed collectively for the greater good. This ideology leans towards communal ownership and cooperative management of resources.
    • Capitalism: Capitalism, on the other hand, is based on the belief in private ownership of resources and emphasizes individual initiative. The market, driven by supply and demand, plays a central role in determining resource allocation.

  2. Inequality and Sustainability:

    • Resourceism: Proponents of resourceism argue that it addresses the pressing issues of inequality and environmental sustainability by ensuring that resources are distributed equitably and utilized in a manner that safeguards the planet's well-being.
    • Capitalism: Critics of capitalism contend that it can lead to disparities in wealth and access to resources. They also argue that unregulated capitalism can lead to environmental degradation due to profit-driven practices.

  3. Global Perspective:

    • Resourceism: Resourceism takes a global outlook, advocating for a system that benefits all of humanity, transcending national boundaries.
    • Capitalism: While capitalism is a global phenomenon, its implementation and effects can vary significantly between different nations, leading to disparities in economic development.

Resources for Further Reading

  1. Rifkin, J. (2009). The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin.

  2. Fresco, J. (2017). The Best That Money Can't Buy: Beyond Politics, Poverty, and War. The Venus Project.

  3. Daly, H. E. (1992). Steady-State Economics: Second Edition With New Essays. Island Press.

Conclusion

Resourceism presents a paradigm shift in economic thinking, offering an alternative to the entrenched ideologies of capitalism. Advocating for equitable resource distribution for the betterment of humanity, resourceism challenges traditional notions of ownership and market-driven allocation. By considering the principles of resourceism, we embark on a journey towards a more inclusive and sustainable global economy, where the shared inheritance of Earth's resources is recognized and valued for the benefit of all.