Against the Common Good: The Role of Capitalist Consumer Culture

Abstract

Couze Venn has been a key influence on commoning theory, and greatly enhanced understanding of the role of colonial and neo-colonial exploitation in the destruction of the commons. In tribute to his work, I here focus on the affluent consumerism propelled by that exploitation, reflect on its power, but also consider how emerging forms of disaffection with its negative aspects might foster support for commoning in wealthy societies. Though presented as a model of the ‘good life’ for less developed communities, consumer culture is better seen, I contend, for what it has largely become: an engine for the enrichment of a corporate elite at the expense of the health of the planet and the well-being of most of its inhabitants. The article concludes by reflecting on the form an ‘alternative hedonist’ politics of prosperity might take and the ways it could hook up with more explicit and militant commoning initiatives.