Economy, Global Inequality and Pathways to Sustainability

Summary The concept of “sustainable development” is everywhere. But there are many paradoxes inherent in it. Whose interests does the idea of sustainable development serve? What roles do economic growth and inequality play? And does education for sustainable development really contribute to a better society? The course is fully online, from anywhere in the world, and the language of instruction is English. About the education The world population is facing enormous challenges: the effects of climate and environmental change not only reflect global economic inequalities but also reinforce them. In work for a more sustainable society, the idea of “sustainable development” has gained central importance, not least in the UN’s work with the Sustainable Development Goals. This is, at the same time, an idea that expresses a Western worldview and holds large political tensions within it. This online-based course provides a critical overview of some of the interests, conflicts, and paradoxes contained in the concept of sustainable development. In particular, you reflect on these in relation to the phenomenon of education for sustainable development (ESD), which focuses on the role of education in a transition to a more sustainable society. If “sustainable development” serves certain interests, is education in its name necessarily positive? In the course, you analyse the interests and the worldview expressed in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals; you explore the role of economic growth and degrowth in relation to questions of sustainability; and you develop a critical stance to issues of environmental justice. The course is part of the Master’s Programme in Education for Sustainable Development. Teaching The course is fully online and is taught through the University of Gothenburg’s digital teaching platform, Canvas. You will read key texts – both books and articles – and work actively with these in a series of written and oral assignments. You will give and receive feedback from peers. The course concludes with a longer written essay. The course requires full-time (100%) study, and the language of instruction is English.