Five years ago, we were thrust into the reality of lockdowns, forced to confront a global crisis that disrupted our daily lives and familiar routines. What followed was a period of mixed emotions—grief, frustration, exhaustion, and even fleeting moments of excitement as we paused and reflected. A silver lining emerged during this unprecedented time: clearer skies, quieter roads, and a renewed awareness of what truly matters in life. The pandemic, though painful, acted as a reminder that we often overlook the deeper values of wellbeing, community, and purpose. However, as we look back now, we see ourselves slipping back into old patterns of thinking, especially when it comes to the concept of growth.
In the years since the pandemic, the language of “growth” has returned with full force, as politicians once again push the narrative that economic expansion is the solution to society’s ills. The question is, who is benefiting from this growth, and at what cost? If we isolate growth from the public good, we are simply planning for societal breakdown. My research reveals that a truly resilient society should be rooted in wellbeing, not wealth. In this article, I explore why growth should not be the end goal of our political and economic systems, but rather a means to an end—a tool for building a more sustainable, equitable, and fulfilling society for all.
The Problem with Growth for Growth’s Sake
The rhetoric of economic growth has become so ingrained in our political discourse that it is rarely questioned. Growth is presented as a self-evident goal, something that needs no further justification or explanation. Yet, the fundamental question remains: what are we growing, and for whom?
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In our modern society, the term “growth” is often detached from any sense of purpose or responsibility. It is framed as an absolute good, an unquestionable necessity. Politicians, especially those on the left, continuously advocate for growth as the panacea to all societal issues, with little regard for its broader implications. But before we accept growth as the answer, we must ask: what is it we are really trying to grow?
Through my work with the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP) at the University of Surrey, I have seen a clearer picture emerge. Conversations with diverse social and economic groups have revealed that the pursuit of growth for its own sake is not what people want. Instead, citizens across various demographics seek stability, security, and wellbeing. They want stable employment, fulfilling leisure opportunities, dependable public services, and affordable housing. They desire a trustworthy environment, one that promotes resilience and reduces anxiety. In short, they want growth that serves these needs, not simply an expansion of economic output for its own benefit.
Resilient Societies: Growth That Serves the Public Good
The evidence emerging from CUSP’s research is clear: resilient, successful societies are not created by the pursuit of growth alone. Rather, they are built on a foundation of clear goals, where growth is understood as a means to improve the collective wellbeing of society. When we isolate growth from the public good, we risk societal breakdown. This could manifest in psychological collapse, social fragmentation, or environmental destruction. If growth is pursued without consideration for its broader impact, we will inevitably face the consequences of increased competition, deepened inequality, and the depletion of resources.
One of the earliest casualties of this unchecked focus on growth is the erosion of the rule of law, both nationally and internationally. The disregard for sustainable practices and environmental concerns threatens not only our physical resources but also the mechanisms that hold power accountable. This is evident in the rise of authoritarianism and the weakening of democratic institutions around the world. For example, under Donald Trump’s second presidency, we saw the increasing disregard for accountability, a worrying trend that many believe is a result of an obsessive focus on local economic growth detached from the realities of the natural and human world.
Challenging the Growth Narrative
When we hear politicians, particularly those on the left, advocate for growth, we must ask: what are we growing toward? What is the end goal of this growth? And how will it benefit the majority of citizens, not just the elite few?
Unfortunately, the current political discourse often ignores these questions. We hear little about how we might develop into a resilient society capable of withstanding future crises. Instead, the focus remains on economic growth as an end in itself. The uncomfortable truth is that in today’s global context, growth frequently means the opposite of shared responsibility. Profit motives weaken accountability, and the distance between decision-makers and the workforce fosters insecurity and alienation.
This creates a vicious cycle where those with the most to gain from growth—namely, corporations and the wealthy—reap the benefits while the majority of people struggle to maintain a sense of stability and security. It is time we turn the conversation around. Instead of pushing for mindless expansion, we should be advocating for growth that benefits society as a whole—growth that leads to a durable tax base, job creation, and the provision of essential services for all.
A New Vision for Prosperity
The research conducted by the Common Sense Policy Group, which includes influential scholars like Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson, highlights an important conclusion: public opinion is far more progressive and ambitious than the political mainstream acknowledges. Their work, along with the findings of CUSP, suggests that policies aimed at fostering resilience and wellbeing—without assuming endless economic expansion—are not utopian fantasies.
Policies such as universal access to essential goods and services, reducing working hours, and implementing carbon and wealth taxes are not only feasible but necessary. These policies can create the foundation for a more equitable, sustainable society, one that values wellbeing over mere economic output.
As we mark the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic, it is time for governments to reconsider their approach to growth. Rather than continuing to push the same tired narrative of endless economic expansion, we must ask: what are we growing for? If we truly want to build a society that is resilient, secure, and just, we need to refocus our efforts on policies that prioritize wellbeing, stability, and sustainability over unchecked growth.
Conclusion: A Call for a New Consensus
It is time for a new political conversation—one that goes beyond the rhetoric of growth and asks the hard questions about what kind of future we want to build. We must embrace a vision of prosperity that is not defined solely by possession and control, but by the shared values of belonging, dignity, and stability. A society that is truly resilient is one that is committed to the wellbeing of all its citizens, not just the wealthiest few.
By shifting our focus from growth for growth’s sake to growth that serves the public good, we can begin to create a society that is better equipped to face the challenges of the future. This is not a utopian dream but a practical, achievable goal. The time to act is now.
