Introduction

Having been bricked deeply into the masonry of modern societies, no discussion of how to redesign the architecture of economy, society and natural environment can sensibly proceed without extensive reference to social policies. Inevitably, there will be disagreements about what this entails. Yet can we at least agree on some broad categories to focus debate?

This chapter begins by defining an ecosocial agenda and presents post-productivism as one instance of this. Though the former is deliberately broad-spectrum, what it denotes – the development of synergies across social and environmental policies – has barely registered to date (Fitzpatrick, 2017). Being comprehensive, it also contains some familiar divisions: between those who favour remaining close to existing socioeconomic models and those for whom environmentalism and the ecosocial implies a greater, transformative potential. ‘Post-productivism’ belongs to the latter tendency.

Two key challenges, or blockades, are outlined. The first deals with process. Several scenarios for the future of the labour market are outlined, one of which involves ‘employment-centred welfare’ and one is termed the ‘part-time labour market’. The second challenge concerns the contemporary context. What should we do about a capitalism that has wreaked havoc on democracy?

The ecosocial and post-productivism

‘Ecosocial policy’ possesses at least three features (Fitzpatrick, 2014, 2017: 232–40; see also Koch and Fritz, 2014).

Firstly, a recognition that social and environmental policies must converge across three domains: (1) research and scholarship, (2) government legislation, policy making and institutional reorganization, at local, national and international levels, (3) the practices and ethos of relevant agents (professionals, practitioners, service users, activists and so on).

Secondly, such convergence involves a search for creative synergies which enable multiple strategies to be pursued and multiple goals to be realized. For instance, energy-efficient buildings emit less CO2, especially when powered through renewable sources, and reduced consumption benefits poorer households especially since their energy costs are proportionately high (Fitzpatrick, 2014: ch 6). Such synergies also imply reconsideration of some big questions regarding the proper functions of and relationship between (a) public and private sectors, (b) states, markets and civic spaces.

Finally, the above would depend upon and make a vital contribution to a new social politics of the 21st century. This needs to be more equal, so that the benefits and burdens of sustainability can be shared out fairly. It needs to be more participative and democratic.