SAMLA 2014 - Marx and Sustainability 2014

Problems that we now call “ecological” were part of proletarian misery that Marx knew and described well: malnutrition, polluted air and water, noise, a degenerating environment, and overpopulation. In stating that these problems cannot be reduced to natural laws, but rather attributed to flaws in the capitalist society, Marx argues that the inability of capitalism to utilize natural resources effectively offers an excellent opportunity for nationalization of the land. This panel will focus on how these ecological problems can affect labor, production, and the agricultural system. How does the mismanagement of natural resources affect social conditions? Do the present social relations of capitalism stand in the way of agricultural progress? Did Marx’s materialist conception of history/historical materialism predict the eco-crisis that we are facing today? What advantages does Marxist theory provide for improvement?
Papers and presentations unrelated to eco-crisis with a strong focus on any aspect of Marxist theory are also welcome.
By JUNE 10, 2014, please submit a 250 word abstract and any A/V requirements to Emma Baughman, Georgia State University, at emma.c.baughman-AT-gmail.com