Marx in the Anthropocene: Towards the Idea of Degrowth Communism

Karl Marx's ecological critique of capitalism is more relevant than ever in the face of the global climate crisis. This book explores why Marx's ecology was marginalized and suppressed by Marxists in the twentieth century, but revives in the Anthropocene against dominant productivism and monism. Saito offers a novel idea of Marx's alternative to capitalism, degrowth communism, which sheds new light on the relationship between society and nature and invites readers to envision a post-capitalist society without repeating the failure of twentieth-century socialism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The urgency of Karl Marx's ecological critique of capitalism becomes increasingly apparent in the face of the global climate crisis. This book delves into the historical marginalization and suppression of Marx's ecological ideas by Marxists throughout the twentieth century. However, Marx's ecological perspective reemerges with renewed significance in the Anthropocene era, challenging dominant productivism and monism. Through a comprehensive examination of new materials published in the complete works of Marx and Engels, Saito presents a novel interpretation of Marx's alternative to capitalism. This alternative, which Saito labels as degrowth communism, offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between society and nature. By reinterpreting the late Marx, this provocative interpretation sheds light on contemporary debates on the interplay between society and the natural world. It also invites readers to envision a post-capitalist society that avoids the pitfalls of the twentieth-century socialism.

The historical marginalization and suppression of Karl Marx's ecological ideas by Marxists throughout the twentieth century is a significant topic explored in this book. Marx's ecological perspective, which challenged dominant economic and social systems, was often overshadowed by his more famous critiques of capitalism. However, as the climate crisis intensifies, the relevance of Marx's ecological ideas becomes more apparent.

In the Anthropocene era, where human activities have had a profound impact on the environment, Marx's ecological critique gains new significance. The book argues that the dominant productivism and monism that characterize contemporary society are in direct contradiction to Marx's vision of a sustainable and equitable society.

Saito's interpretation of Marx's alternative to capitalism is particularly interesting. He suggests that degrowth communism is a viable option for addressing the environmental and social challenges facing society. Degrowth communism advocates for a reduction in economic growth and the adoption of sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of both human and natural systems.

One of the key ideas in degrowth communism is the concept of the "social metabolism," which refers to the total amount of resources and energy required to sustain a society. Saito argues that current economic systems are unsustainable because they rely on an ever-increasing rate of resource extraction and consumption. By adopting a degrowth approach, society can reduce its reliance on these resources and transition towards a more sustainable and equitable model.

Another important aspect of degrowth communism is the emphasis on community and social cohesion. Saito argues that the current division between capital and labor, as well as between different social groups, is a major contributor to environmental degradation and social inequality. By promoting greater social cohesion and cooperation, degrowth communism can help to build a more sustainable and just society.

The book also discusses the challenges that degrowth communism faces in implementing its ideas. One of the main challenges is the resistance from capitalist interests, who rely on economic growth and consumerism to maintain their power and influence. Saito argues that degrowth communism requires a political and social movement that is committed to challenging these dominant ideologies and promoting a more sustainable and equitable society.

Overall, this book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debates on climate change and sustainable development. It offers a fresh perspective on Karl Marx's ecological critique of capitalism and presents a compelling case for degrowth communism as a viable alternative to the dominant economic and social systems. By reinterpreting the late Marx and advocating for a more sustainable and equitable society, this book encourages readers to envision a post-capitalist world that is both environmentally sustainable and socially just.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108844154