The aim of this course is to examine the so called ‘Slow Living’ economies, illustrate their fundamental features, and show how they can match a high quality of life with an environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Drawing upon insights from the Economics of Wellbeing and Ecological Economics, the course provides introductory knowledge on the economic phenomena of postgrowth, sustainable consumption, and the slow movements, among others. By contrasting the latter with the economic principles of efficiency, utility, and optimization, it unveils the hidden consequences of high-speed modern economies; exposing students to alternative modes of organizing society. In doing so, the academic travel will explore the exemplary case of the Southern Italian region of Cilento (Campania), an ecosystem where cultural heritage (three UNESCO World Heritage Sites), slow food (home to the Mediterranean Diet), healthy lifestyles (a “Blue Zone” of Extreme Longevity), and environmental protection (National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano), blend together as the key ingredients making a rural region to thrive.
- Teacher: Leonardo Conte