Privileged Goods: Commoditization and Its Impact on Environment and Society

Focusing on the economic principle of commoditization, this book points out that our propensity toward environmental destruction -- a tragic flaw of the modern economy -- can be understood as a result of certain hidden economic forces. These forces drive social and economic development towards increasing mobilization of energy and material beyond what is actually needed to achieve general prosperity and basic human needs. The author explains the complex concept of commoditization using examples from key sectors of society. The book is interdisciplinary in scope and will appeal to a wide variety of environmental professionals.