Progressive utilization theory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:44, 29 December 2022

Revision as of 01:04, 29 December 2022

Line 2:

{{Redirect|PROUT||Prout (disambiguation)}}

[[File:PROUTlogo.gif|thumb|180px|Progressive utilization theory logo]]

The '''Progressive utilization theory''' ('''PROUT''') is a [[socioeconomic]] and political philosophy created by the Indian philosopher and spiritual leader [[Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar]]. He first conceived of PROUT in 1959.<ref name=":1" /> Its proponents (Proutists) claim that it exposes and overcomes the limitations of capitalism, communism and mixed economy.<ref name="Crovetto2008" /><ref name="Skrbina" /> Since its genesis, PROUT has had an [[Economic progressivism|economically progressive]] approach, aiming improve [[Social change|social development]] in the world. It is in line with Sarkar's [[Neohumanism|Neohumanist]] values which aim to provide "proper care" to every being on the planet, including humans, animals and plants.{{r|:1}}

PROUT has not been implemented in any part of the world,<ref name=":17" /> though there is a number of books and articles on the subject.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-08|title=Homepage - PROUT Global - Progressive Utilization Theory|url=https://prout.info/|access-date=2021-09-09|language=en-US}}</ref>

Line 10:

In 1959, [[Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar|Sarkar]] started to develop the ideas of Prout. In 1961, the theory was formally outlined in his book ''Ananda Sutram'', published under his spiritual name Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti.{{r|Irving}}

A number of organizations have been created for the promotion and dissemination of Prout, such as Proutist Universal,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-08|title=Homepage - PROUT Global - Progressive Utilization Theory|url=https://prout.info/|access-date=2021-09-01|language=en-US}}</ref> Prout Globe,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-05-27|title=PROUT Globe|url=http://proutglobe.org/|access-date=2021-09-01|language=en-US}}</ref> Prout Institute,<ref>{{Cite web|last=williamclaytonglasser|title=Home|url=http://www.proutinstitute.org/|access-date=2021-09-01|website=PROUT Institute|language=en-US}}</ref> etc. Since the 1980's1980s a number of cooperative communities have been established across the world by [[Ananda Marga]] in an attempt to provide ideal models for the society outlined in Prout.<ref name=Ellwood/>

==Theory==

Line 55:

Prout also claims that the [[nationalization]] of enterprises is inefficient due to the larger costs and amount of bureaucracy necessary to keep state-controlled industries running.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Human Society part 1|last=Sarkar|first=Prabhat|publisher=Ananda Marga Publications|year=1959}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2015/12/economist-explains-1|title=Why nationalisation has fallen out of favour in Britain|work=The economist}}</ref> Yet, there are some industries that should be nationalized, operating on a "no-profit, no-loss" principle.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Prout in a Nutshell volume 4 part 21|last=Sarkar|first=Prabhat|publisher=Ananda Marga Publications|year=1986}}</ref>

Concerning wealth distribution among the population, Sarkar argues for an "optimal inequality" where the wage gap between the richer strata of society is substantially subsided.<ref name=":5" /> [[Richard B. Freeman|Richard Freeman]], a Harvard economist, points out income inequality comes from the monopoly of power and other activities with "negative consequences" in terms of social development.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/05/opinion/edsall-just-right-inequality.html|title=Just Right Inequality|last=Thomas|first=Edsall|date=2014|work=The New York Times}}</ref> Nonetheless, Prout is not in favour of total income equality, claiming that in a society where material motivation to work is absent, the willingness to strive for financial success and to thrive in the creative development of industry and society will be lost in its citizens. Therefore, this theory argues for the implementation of a policy allowing the most meritous in society to receive added perks for the added benefits they bring to society. It is thus theorized that the communist's motto of [[from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs]] cannot work in the real world. Prout proposes instead a minimum and maximum wage, roughly attributed according to the value the work of each person brings to society. We see examples of attempts in this direction in companies like [[Mondragon Corporation|Mondragon]] or [[Whole Foods Market|Whole Foods]].

Regarding neo-liberalism, Sarkar throws a new light to the concept of Adam Smith's [[invisible hand]], where individual producers acting self-interest benefit the community as a whole. Prout claims that, unchecked, societies economic elite will disrupt the just circulation of material wealth within society. The market will then require regulatory measures so as to create a functional economic system.{{Citation needed|date=May 2018}}

Line 96:

Some political parties support the Progressive utilization theory. They are:

* [[Amra Bangali]]

* [[Progressive Party of Aotearoa New Zealand]]

== See also ==