Treadmill of production

Amalia Leguizamón

Chapter 2 in Handbook on Inequality and the Environment, 2023, pp 11-27 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The treadmill of production theory argues that higher levels of industrialization for capital accumulation have led to growing pressure on natural resource extraction, larger and more toxic waste disposals, and the replacement of workers with machines. Treadmill theorists identify the pursuit of economic growth through technological innovation as the leading cause of ecological degradation and social inequality in contemporary societies. This chapter reviews treadmill of production theory. First, it describes its theoretical structure regarding the analysis of the relationship between inequality and the environment. It identifies the main dynamics, actors, and institutions promoting production expansion. Next, the chapter presents solutions. It describes Schnaiberg’s proposal for alternative structures of production and social organization that could solve the tension between economic growth and ecological limits. The final section showcases the work of contemporary scholars and the ways they are further elaborating and testing the treadmill theory empirically.

Keywords: Environment; Geography; Politics and Public Policy Sociology and Social Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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