Finally we continue the serialisation of our intervention, The Viable Economy, wrapping up with the short conclusion and a brief list of further reading (see also the links in the ribbon above).  You can read the whole pamphlet here.

Next, we plan to focus more concretely on sectors of the regional economy, and on practical initiatives towards a post-growth Greater Manchester.  Have you enjoyed the Viable Economy?  DO you have thoughts to share?  Do let us know, either by commenting on this post, or by email, twitter etc.

If you like our work, why not make a donation towards it?  Our costs are modest, but we are unfunded.  Thanks!

14) Conclusion

The Viable Economy, based on the values of stewardship, justice, conviviality, solidarity, co-operation, equality and respect, seeks to redress the parlous state we are in, ecologically, socially and economically. Its proposals, even if they need further development, show us how we can set out on a path to a resilient, more localised, stable economy that delivers what we all need: a frugal abundance or true prosperity, where people live in an increasingly equitable and harmonious society, locally and globally, deciding on rather than following economic rules, and not merely treading lightly on the earth, but protecting and restoring those systems that make life possible.

15) Appendix: Further reading

There is a large literature relevant to The Viable Economy, much of which we reference in the footnotes to the text. This is a short selection of works we have found particularly helpful.

Blewitt, J., & Cunningham, R. (Eds.). (2014). “The Post-Growth Project: How the End of Economic Growth Could Bring a Fairer and Happier Society.” London: London Publishing Partnership. All chapters available at http://bit.ly/1zJ3uu9

Davey, B. (Ed.). (2012). Sharing for Survival. Dublin: FEASTA.

Lewis, M., & Conaty, P. (2012). The Resilience Imperative: Cooperative Transitions to a Steady-State Economy. New Society Publishers.

Smith, P. B., & Max-Neef, M. A. (2011). Economics unmasked: from power and greed to compassion and the common good. Totnes, Devon, UK: Green Books.

Victor, P. A., & Jackson, T. (2013). Green Economy at Community Scale. Toronto: The Metcalf Foundation. http://bit.ly/1EwKZsQ

We also encourage you to read our previous reports:

Steady State Manchester. (2012). In Place of Growth: Practical steps to a Manchester where people thrive without harming the planet. Manchester: Steady State Manchester. http://bit.ly/1bTiASu

Steady State Manchester. (2012).Living Well: Practical Solidarity and Steady State Economics. Manchester: Steady State Manchester. http://bit.ly/1bTpEyx

Steady State Manchester. (2014). In Place of Pay Inequality . Manchester: Steady State Manchester. http://bit.ly/1tBTRoJ

And also the regular blog posts on our website http://steadystatemanchester.net