The Foundational Economy as a Cornerstone for a Social–Ecological Transformation

This theoretical paper synthesises research on the foundational economy and its contribution to a social–ecological transformation. While thinking offers rich concepts policies transition towards such transformation, it fails grasp systematic non-sustainability of capitalism. weakness can be overcome by enriching contemporary with feminist ecological economics. Whereas critique problematises thinking’s focus paid labour, targets Sen’s capability approach as key inspiration thinking, arguing that theory human needs is better suited conceptualise wellbeing within planetary boundaries. Based this, we outline novel schema economic zones discuss their differentiated contributions satisfaction needs. By privileging need satisfaction, broadened demotes tradable sector rentier economy, thereby revaluating unpaid work well respecting imperatives. empowers new articulations social struggles improve living conditions in short run, while having potential long run undermine capitalism from within.