Cycles of poverty and consumption: the sustainability dilemma

Abstract

PurposeThe 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/approachA 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.FindingsThis 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/implicationsSustainable development is an extremely complex issue and it is impossible to address this complexity in a single article.Practical implicationsThe paper challenges businesses to develop new business models that have more stringent constraints imposed on them.Originality/valueThis paper challenges the current norm of unbridled growth. The paper calls for academicians and practitioners to develop new models.

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