Guénaëlle Gault: 'Abundance or Sobriety, the False Alternative'

Guénaëlle Gault, Director General of L'ObSoCo (L'Observatoire Société et Consommation), contends that the prevailing discussion around "abundance versus sobriety" in consumption presents a misleading choice. She argues that the reality of modern consumer behavior transcends this simplistic framing.

Gault observes that hyperconsumption has permeated society, becoming a popular, even dominant, trend. Notably, this intense consumption is not confined to affluent segments of society but has also become prevalent among those with more modest means. This widespread adoption challenges the notion that sobriety is the only alternative to unchecked abundance.

She suggests that political and social movements, particularly those on the left, need to address this complex issue directly. Instead of framing it as a binary choice, Gault implies a need for a more nuanced approach that acknowledges and engages with the drivers and consequences of current consumption patterns. The challenge, she posits, lies in how to navigate these trends effectively.