脱成長論の意義と課題

―文明論として、実践理論として―

抄録

In this article, the Japanese version of Serge Latouche's book on his de-growth strategy (〈Datsu-Seicyou〉 wa Sekai wo Kaerareruka?, Sakuhinsya, 2013) is critically reviewed, while paying special attention to its localism. The book provides a useful insight into how development studies can be reoriented, to better address issues pertaining human security; it cannot possibly be attained without rectifying growth-oriented international economic order, which has brought about the proliferation of socially, environmentally unsustainable development practices. Latouche's proposal to promote locally-based development initiatives shows a way to refurbish the existing economic order; in a locality, people could utilize locally available resources to make a living, while their topmost priority would be their material as well as emotional wellbeing, rather than economic growth. At the same time, Latouche makes a dubious assumption that de-growth is to be attained by solely promoting locally based development initiatives, and fails to pay due regard to the potential roles that the state and market forces can play in degrowth initiatives. To highlight this pitfall, this article explores how the state and market forces can propel, and should be capitalized on, in moving forward de-growth. Latouche simplistically posits a dichotomy between the state and locally autonomous de-growth, or between marketization and locally self-reliant de-growth. This would deny those people in need, their right to pursue livelihood improvements through the participation in wider markets, or with recourse to support from the state authority. The state and market forces can further human-centered, ecologically-sound development. Their potential in contributing to de-growth initiatives should not denied a priori.