Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
now receding for the global poor, who number in the hundreds of millions.
Nonetheless, rebellion by the poor against global oppression depends upon
more than the degree of inequality; it also depends upon the poor having
means and opportunity.
But what has this got to do with sustainability? A great deal.
Limits to inequality
Cooperation and competition pervade human society. Although recent eco-
nomic theories have tended to emphasise the virtue of competition, society
is unimaginable without cooperation, such as for hunting and baby-sitting
(even by non-relatives). The extreme position: that humans will invariably
try to maximise their own wealth with little regard for others has been
described as 'homo economicus', and was illustrated in the film
Wa l l St re e t
,
which made 'greed is good' a household phrase. This position has little basis.
Human societies display far more reciprocity and cooperation than greed
and selfishness.
Reciprocity glues families, societies, and even markets, where buyers
exchange cash for goods; if buyers feel cheated they will turn elsewhere. Rec-
iprocity is often indirect. This may occur between individuals, families, and
states. Consider the story of the old professor, who, when asked why she
attended so many funerals, explained '... otherwise, no one will come to
mine'. In this case, her act of courtesy cannot be returned by her recipients;
she is instead relying upon indirect reciprocity. In the salmon-rich (and
slave-holding) cultures of what is now called British Colombia, Amerindian
societies held competitive potlatches - spectacular displays of wealth and
generosity. These were expected to be reciprocated at an unspecified time,
perhaps by the next generation.
Reciprocity, both direct and indirect, also characterises international
relations. The Australian commitment of troops to both Gulf Wars can be
considered as partial repayment for American assistance in World War II, as
well as a down payment for future protection. By its alliance with a great
power, Australia feels safer, purchasing short-term security. However under-
standable, this reciprocity suggests that Australia has internalised neither the
reality of globalisation nor the threat of unsustainability. The lifestyle of
both the US and Australia is contributing to the erosion of sustainability as
well as to increased resentment, including within our region.
