Ferraris for all: is economic growth such a good thing?

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Daniel Ben-Ami will introduce a discussion about the scope for and limits to economic development in the developed and developing world.

Is economic growth such a good thing? Until the 1970s few would have even thought of asking this question. Yet today the West is often seen as guilty of overconsumption, while the rapid growth of developing countries such as China and India is seen by many in a highly negative light.

People who champion growth are accused of encouraging greed, damaging the environment and widening social inequalities. Daniel Ben-Ami, in his new book Ferraris for all, challenges these notions, arguing that society as a whole benefits from greater affluence and that we should celebrate growth. 

This discussion is still in the planning phase, and hoping to identify someone to speak alongside Daniel who will articulate the case for restrained development - any offers please get in touch. 

Initial background readings

Sustainable development, Wikipedia.

Really bad ideas: Population Control, by Frank Furedi, spiked-online 11 June 2007.

Selling out the 'bottom billion', by Daniel Ben-Ami, spiked review of books, 03 July 2007.

Burying Malthus to save Malthusianism, by Brendan O'Neill, spiked review of books, March 2010.

The pseudo-radical war on economic growth, by Daniel Ben Ami, spiked review of books, May 2010.

Macroeconomics and Growth Research Program, The World Bank website.

UK will struggle with 'catastrophic' population growth unless changes are made, Mail Online 09 June 2010

Why more really is more, spiked review of books, June 2010

Venue and Time

The Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HY - entrance is on Charlotte Street. Arrive at 6:15pm for a prompt 6:30pm start, finishing at 8:00pm. A charge of £5 per person will be made on the night, but is bookable in advance by Emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .