Towards Building Feminist Economies of Life

Abstract

This anthropocene1 era with its accompanying avarice has significantly contributed to the destruction of the ecological integrity of our planet. Mainstream neoliberal economics valorises economic growth and fosters the super exploitation of minerals, metals and nature by transnational corporations. Its associated policies severely undermine social and economic protection, with dire ramifications in many countries.
Proponents of mining-for-development constantly evoke and legitimise Hardin’s tragedy of the commons – namely, that communal ownership of the
commons leads to environmental degradation – despite evidence to the contrary and the obvious finite limits of nature. The gains, argued by advocates of new
forms of extractivism, privatisation and enclosures, remain elusive. The enclave logic of extractivism is prone to volatility and capital flight and is heavily reliant
on external finance (Acosta, 2013). Therefore, states often give transnational corporations (TNCs) exclusive rights and control over non-renewables in order
to lure and retain foreign direct investment (FDI). This control distorts the allocation of resources, fosters corruption and state collusion, heightens violence
and militarisation, criminalises anti-mining activism, and dislocates communities (Thematic Social Forum on Mining and Extractivist Economy, 2018).