A product of twenty years of analysis and activism, this unique book poses a radical alternative to the current free-market industrial system. A book of history, theory and polemic, the authors show how, if we are to survive, economies must become needs-based, environmentally sustainable, co-operative and local. They explain how the current capitalist system is none of these things, is inherently unstable and is dependent on the exploitation of various marginalized groups, particularly women, and of the environment. They call instead for a new politics and economics based on subsistence and present examples of such a perspective in practice.

‘In 1995, America’s First Lady, Hillary Clinton, visited Bangladesh to interview a group of village women who had received assistance from the Grameen Bank. Hillary wanted to see whether the ‘microcredits’ had truly succeeded in empowering these women. ...But the village women then asked HIllary about her own situation. Did she own any cows? No. Did she have her own income? Well no, not since Bill came to the White House. How many children? Only one? Poor Hillary. The village women of Bangladesh felt sorry for her, since obviously she - unlike them - was not empowered.

... Here you will find many unsung heroes whose solidarity and determined adherence to the subsistence ethic have helped them to retain power over their lives and to resist being swallowed by the global economy.’ - Resurgence

'A thought-provoking, challenging work, equally appropriate for development studies, women's studies or environmental studies' - Progress in Development Studies