Publication Date:
2009-12-01
Description:
Since about the 1980s, shrinkage processes have been observed mainlyin the developed countries. Although population decreases has beenthe main focus, other phenomena—such as the reduction of jobs, therestructuring of industrial and urban regions, and the scarcity of publiccommodities and natural resources—also deserve attention. Shrinkageis by no means becoming the dominant mode of developmentthough some regional exceptions do exist. In this sense, it is comparableto the modern growth processes that do not run concordantly.Modern shrinkage processes are concentrated in certain economicbranches, institutions, social groups, and last but not least, regions.Consequently, we find profound disparities with some countries whereparts of society face shrinkage processes while others face growthprocesses. As observed by some scholars (e.g., Oswalt 2008), the growthmode is losing its dominance in modern societies. However, a paradigmshift toward shrinkage has not yet taken place. Rather one hasto assume a longer phase of side-by-side, contra-, and co-operativegrowth and shrinkage processes. This phase may be shaped by its owncontradictions and conflicts, in particular by a high level of uncertainty.In contrast to the social growth phase roughly until the early1970s, this phase will probably be less easy to steer. Although growthcoalitions, typical for the previous phase, were based on the assumptionthat profits were redistributed as welfare, the shrinkage alliancesare confronted with the financing of losses. Shrinkage processes challengeoperational routines and bring with them new positions of interestthat require novel coalitions among actors.
Print ISSN:
1558-6073
Electronic ISSN:
1558-5468
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Sociology
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