Diskurs „Wohlstands- und Entwicklungsmodelle“ - Modernisierungsansätze zum Leitbild der nachhaltigen Entwicklung

In science, politics and society, a discourse on new models of prosperity and development has emerged in recent years. The starting point for the debate is the increasing criticism of the strong focus on economic growth (measured by gross domestic product) as the central indicator for measuring prosperity and good living. It is criticized that this approach neglects important aspects which, however, contribute significantly to the quality of life - social and cultural participation, health, an intact environment and solidarity.

Representatives of this discourse therefore argue for a broader understanding of prosperity which, in addition to economic and other material aspects, also involves immaterial factors. The discourse comprises the following questions: What does prosperity and good life imply and how can we measure it? Do we need economic growth for prosperity? What kind of prosperity can we realize in the long term and practice globally without exceeding the ecological and planetary limits? This study analyzes the relevance of the discourse on new prosperity and development models for the guiding principal of sustainable development. It explores the opportunities and risks of the discourse for the modernization and strengthening of the guiding principle of sustainable development.

Further publications

• Discourse on Vulnerabiliy and Reseilience (in German only)
• Discourse on time and time politics (in German only)
• Sustainability 2.0 – Approaches to modernisation for the guiding vision of sustainable development (recommendations) (in German only)
• Sustainability 2.0 – Approaches to modernisation for the guiding vision of sustainable development (final report) (in German only)