Plenary 6: Decolonizing the Social Imaginary – Towards a Wellbeing Economy for Ireland: June 25

Topics discussed in this session included the links between English colonialism in Ireland and the systematic measurement of the size of an economy; the ongoing strong linkage of GDP growth with colonial violence and oppression; the need to examine how Ireland’s energy and food systems are bound up with commodity frontiers across the world; the important role of the law as a cause and facilitator of oppression, but potentially also as a positive force when developed and used by grassroots movements; the need to re-examine property rights, and to challenge the idea that land and the earth can be commodified; the importance of values and vision, and of a language of abundance, while also recognising that sacrifices will be needed; the need to recognise and prevent the wrenching of communities from their homes, in Ireland and around the world; and the importance of support – through improved services and income – for those engaged in the care economy.