Overview

In the 1960s the assumption that societies should continually strive for economic growth and increasing industrialization began to be questioned. The environmental effects of unbridled consumption in the developed world had become apparent, and the impact of materialism on modern culture was of concern as well. E.F. Schumacher's book Small is Beautiful was among the influential works that inspired the appropriate technology movement, advocating small-scale, decentralized, environmentally sustainable enterprises.

Background

In 1955 the British economist E.F. Schumacher (1911-1977) visited Burma (now Myanmar) on a United Nations assignment. There he became acquainted with the pitfalls of introducing advanced technology to developing nations. This introduction of technology was presumed to be progress and would increase productivity. It would more than likely, however, put many laborers and artisans out of business. Schumacher viewed the dignity of work...