Cycles of poverty and consumption: the sustainability dilemma
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the dilemma of global sustainable economic development and poverty alleviation in the context of the environmental concerns.
Design/methodology/approach
A range of recently published literature focusing on the bottom of the pyramid (BoP) is reviewed. The arguments that are in favor and against the notion of poor being a “market” are examined. The implications of increased consumption by the poor even while the developed countries maintain their levels of consumption are discussed.
Findings
This paper argues that current levels of consumption by the developed world is not sustainable even as the world's poor begin to consume more to maintain a reasonable standard of living. New business models and models for sustainable development are called for.
Research limitations/implications
Sustainable development is an extremely complex issue and it is impossible to address this complexity in a single article.
Practical implications
The paper challenges businesses to develop new business models that have more stringent constraints imposed on them.
Originality/value
This paper challenges the current norm of unbridled growth. The paper calls for academicians and practitioners to develop new models.
Keywords
Citation
Farias, C. and Farias, G. (2010), "Cycles of poverty and consumption: the sustainability dilemma", Competitiveness Review, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 248-257. https://doi.org/10.1108/10595421011047433
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited