Unlearning Realities with Helena Norberg-Hodge, Anthea Lawson and Jae Spencer-Keyse - E215

The Entangled Activist explores the complexities of activism, delving into how activists can inadvertently replicate the very issues they aim to combat. Anthea Lawson examines the dynamics within social change movements, highlighting the challenges of power, privilege, and internal contradictions. The book encourages activists to reflect on their own behaviors, motivations, and assumptions. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and ethical engagement in creating lasting change. Lawson offers insights and tools for activists to navigate these challenges and foster more effective and sustainable activism.

Published in 1973, 'Small Is Beautiful' critiques mainstream economics by advocating for sustainable development, small-scale technologies, and community-centered economic policies. The book is divided into four parts: 'The Modern World', 'Resources', 'The Third World', and 'Organization and Ownership'. Schumacher argues that economic growth must be balanced with the needs of communities and the environment, and he introduces the concept of 'Buddhist economics', which emphasizes human needs and limitations. The book has been highly influential, inspiring movements such as 'Buy Local' and 'Fair Trade', and was ranked among the 100 most influential books since World War II by 'The Times Literary Supplement'.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part describes the traditional life of the people in Ladakh before the influx of Western ideas and material goods, highlighting their high social status, strong family and community ties, and harmonious relationship with the environment. The second part documents the changes brought about by modernization, including environmental destruction, social disruption, and economic instability. Norberg-Hodge argues that the one-dimensional view of progress favored by economists and development experts has masked the negative impacts of economic growth and led to a misunderstanding of the situation of rural communities. The book ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that there is room for optimism and growth as people strive to preserve their cultural heritage in the face of globalization.