The mindless knowledge economy We often assume that a technologically advanced economy is all about a highly skilled labour force engaging in creative forms of self-expression. However, the dream of getting rid of dull and boring jobs through automation seems to be a utopia. Zane Kripe • March 11, 2015 • 2 comments
My home is my (Airbnb) castle? In Amsterdam there are over 10,500 Airbnb addresses. ‘The easiest way for people to monetise their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions.’ Why does this ‘monetise your extra space’ resonate so well? And what about the neighbours? Nikkie Buskermolen • February 26, 2015 • 6 comments
The Uncertainty of Help What role do local institutions of mutual security play in managing the growing economic and political uncertainties in African communities today? How do people in everyday life manage these economic and political insecurities? Erik Bähre and Daivi Rodima-Taylor • November 13, 2014
Honorary jobs and working without getting paid Are you working for a company or organisation without getting paid? Then you are one of the many with an honorary job. Erik Bähre • September 15, 2014 • 1 comment
The Future as a Humanist Ideology On the 26th and 27th of June an international conference in Leiden brought together critical insights into “The Future” as a humanist ideal. The desire for a better, more peaceful and more plentiful life for all humans may not be as innocent as it seems. Peter Pels • September 08, 2014
Speckmann Prize winner 2014: Re-framing economics through local community action Economic change is often seen as being controlled by policy-makers and big business only. However, in the ongoing aftermath of the 2007/08 economic crisis an increasing number of people are implementing new economic practices in their own localities. Florence Scialom • February 17, 2014 • 9 comments
Walking and protesting in Brasília Protests in Brazil are heating up preparations for the football World Cup. These demonstrations and other ways of using the streets of Brasília emphasize that the future did not turn out to be as utopian and rich as imagined before. Erik Bähre • July 15, 2013 • 4 comments
The problem of ‘culture’ in the New Economy Governments around the world postulate digital entrepreneurship as the key to their nations’ economic future. Yet it seems that this call for more entrepreneurial citizens also goes hand in hand with a request to change culture. Zane Kripe • May 27, 2013
Youngsters and the new credit counter In 2011, one in eight youngsters applied for debt counselling (schuldhulpverlening), with their debts running up to €30,000. Why do so many young people have such large consumer debts? Erik Bähre • May 13, 2013 • 2 comments