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Sustainable development and ecological modernization: A radical homocentric perspective

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  • David Pepper

    (Oxford Brookes University, UK)

Abstract

The commonly discussed forms of 'strong' sustainable development are rooted in either ecocentric or anthropocentric perspectives. Both eco-socialism and social ecology constitute anthropocentric (or 'homocentric') strong sustainability: being essentially humanistic but also embracing stewardship of nature, environmentally benign but centred on social justice. The bases of this development model are reviewed. Its desirability is argued from the perspective of a socialist critique of the alternative anthropocentrically-grounded version of 'sustainability' that is widely supported today, known as 'ecological modernization'. It is argued that ecological modernization is at best only weakly sustainable. Indeed, contemporary Marxist readings of capitalism's inherent contradictions suggest that this development model is not sustainable at all in the long run. Global modernization, whether purportedly 'ecological' or not, is likely to foster continued attempts at displacement and externalization of both environmental and social costs. Current corporate reactions against both environmentalism and social democracy are therefore unsurprising. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Suggested Citation

  • David Pepper, 1998. "Sustainable development and ecological modernization: A radical homocentric perspective," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 6(1), pages 1-7.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:6:y:1998:i:1:p:1-7
    DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1719(199803)6:1<1::AID-SD83>3.0.CO;2-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert Hay, 2006. "Becoming ecosynchronous, part 2. Achieving sustainable development via personal development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 14(1), pages 1-15.
    2. Robert Hay, 2010. "The relevance of ecocentrism, personal development and transformational leadership to sustainability and identity," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 18(3), pages 163-171.
    3. Federico Cugurullo, 2016. "Urban eco-modernisation and the policy context of new eco-city projects: Where Masdar City fails and why," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 53(11), pages 2417-2433, August.
    4. Robert Hay, 2005. "Becoming ecosynchronous, part 1. The root causes of our unsustainable way of life," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 13(5), pages 311-325.

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