class 12 democracy, externality, consumers, solutions

Barbara Kruger

Overview: questions of democracy and corporate power are discussed in terms of the “externalities” of consumerism. “Solutions” suggests a paradigm shift.

  1. Erik Olin Wright, Joel Rogers. (2009) Draft Chapter 16. Democracy: how it works in American Society: How It Really Works. W.W. Norton. pp. 1-7.
  2. Watch video:  Justin Lewis. Consumerism and the Limits of Imagination. Media EducationFoundation, 2014.

Available through Kanopy media on the UMass library site.  Two ways to access Kanopy:

  1. Annie Leonard. The Story of Solutions. Oct 1, 2013

Reading questions – written response required

  1.  What do these texts say about the relationship between democracy, corporate power and “externalities”?  In your discussion:
  • Draw from these texts to offer a definition of democracy and externality.
  • In what ways if any, does the discussion about consumerism and “externalities” resonate with your experience?
  • Your thoughts?
  1. The videos call for imagining and enacting “solutions” to the ”externality” problems of consumerism.  What’s your exposure to alternative ways of thinking about the growth paradigm?  Thoughts on how such a shift away from consumerism might occur.

 Written assignments are single-spaced & typed in Times New Roman or Arial (size 12 font), 1-inch margins all around. Remember to proofread. First page should have a heading (single-spaced) with name, date, assignment title.