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Spaceship Earth. A total institution

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  • Roth, Steffen

Abstract

The concept of Earth as a planetary spaceship serves as a root metaphor of ecological economics, sustainability science, and the broader environmental movement. This article first explores the origins of this metaphor and elucidates the core components and functions of a hypothetical Spaceship Earth. It then draws on Erving Goffman's characteristics of total institutions to show that such a spaceship would epitomise the most total institution ever known in human history. Acknowledging the continued influence of spaceship thinking, the article concludes by offering first hints to emergency exits from a planetary total institution with no mission other than orbiting another celestial body.

Suggested Citation

  • Roth, Steffen, 2024. "Spaceship Earth. A total institution," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:223:y:2024:i:c:s092180092400140x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108243
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