Traditional economics is built on the assumption of self-interested individuals seeking to maximize personal gain, but that is far from the whole story. Sharing, caring, and a desire to uphold the collective good are also powerful motives. In a world on fire – facing threats to multiracial democracy, tensions from rising economic inequality, and even the existential threat of climate change, can we build an alternative economics based on cooperation?
In this AFSEE Keynote Lecture, Manuel Pastor, joined by AFSEE Fellow T.O. Molefe, will discuss his newest book Solidarity Economics: why mutuality and movements matter. He will introduce the concept of solidarity economics, which is rooted in the idea that equity is key to prosperity and social movements are crucial to the reconfiguration of power in our politics and show how we can use solidarity economics to build a fairer economy that can generate prosperity and preserve the planet.
Speaker
Professor Manuel Pastor
Manuel Pastor is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the University of Southern California where he also directs the Equity Research Institute. His recent books include Solidarity Economics: why mutuality and movements matter, South Central Dreams: finding home and building community in south L.A. and State of Resistance: what California’s dizzying descent and remarkable resurgence means for America’s future.
Discussant
T. O. Molefe
T. O. Molefe is an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity and a writer and editor with an affinity for transformative social research. He is also one of the founding members and serves as coordinator of Collective Media, a cooperative working to build a vibrant, democratic, equitable and self-sustaining community around the work of African writers.
Chair
Professor Armine Ishkanian
Armine Ishkanian is the Executive Director of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme and Professor in the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her research examines the relationship between civil society, democracy, development, and social transformation.
Banner Image: Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash
