You are invited to public lectures and workshops by Professor Stefano Bartolini of the University of Siena, to be held from September 25th to October 3rd at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan.


Public Lecture


Title: Manifesto For Happiness: Constructing a Relational Society


Speaker: Stefano Bartolini (Associate Professor, Department of Political Economy and Statistics, The University of Siena, Italy)

Chair: Yoshihiro Nakano (Junior Researcher, Waseda University)

Date & Time: September 25 (Tue), 2018, 18:15-19:45

Place: Bld 22, 1F Seminar Room, Waseda University

Language: English (with consecutive translation)


Flyer: https://www.waseda.jp/global-asia/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/poster_20180925_jp.pdf


Abstract

In this public lecture, Prof. Stefano Bartolini presents a summary of his book Manifesto For Happiness: From the Society of Consumers to a Relational Society, to commemorate the publication of the Japanese translation. The book examines complex relationships between economic growth and the decline of well-being in advanced societies. Through the case study of the US society, author brings to light multiple institutional problems of consumerist society which give rise to the decline of social capitals and the crisis of democratic politics. In this presentation, Prof. Bartolini introduces key ideas of his book and critically examines the economic growth model that caused the rise of relational poverty and that led to the financial crisis in 2008.



Research Seminar


Title: On the Evolution of Alternative Economics in Italy


Speaker: Stefano Bartolini (Associate Professor, Department of Political Economy and Statistics, The University of Siena, Italy)

Chair: Yoshihiro Nakano (Junior Researcher, Waseda University)

Date & Time: September 26 (Wed), 2018, 10:40-12:10

Place: Bld 14, Room 960, Waseda University

Language: English



Abstract

In this research seminar, Prof. Bartolini and Dr. Nakano discuss the evolution of alternative economics in Italy and beyond. Since the late 1990s the southern Europe faces a growing movement of alternative economic theories, such as economia solidale, decrescità, economia civile, and benicommunismo. The seminar reflects on the diversity of alternative economics in the southern Europe and explores problems and perspectives.



Research Seminar


Title: Rethinking Post-democracy and Populism in Europe


Speaker: Stefano Bartolini (Associate Professor, Department of Political Economy and Statistics, The University of Siena, Italy)


Chair: Yoshihiro Nakano (Junior Researcher, Waseda University)

Date & Time: September 27 (Thu), 2018, 10:40-12:10

Place: Bld 14, Room 960, Waseda University

Language: English



Abstract

This research seminar discusses recent political situation in Europe. The financial crisis in 2008 led to a deep political crisis in Europe. While the European Union imposes austerity policies on the heavily indebted member states, the ruling political parties on the center-left and the center-right are failing to articulate diverse popular demands. The result is the rise of popular revolts which divides the continent to right-wing populism and left radicalism. In this seminar, Prof. Bartolini and Dr. Nakano examine the problem of post-democracy that lies behind the current political turmoil in Europe.



Research Seminar Title: Post-growth, What's in a Name? Dialogue Between Japan and Europe


Speaker: Stefano Bartolini (Associate Professor, Department of Political Economy and Statistics, The University of Siena, Italy)

Chair: Yoshihiro Nakano (Junior Researcher, Waseda University)

Date & Time: September 27 (Thu), 2018, 10:40-12:10

Place: Bld 14, Room 960, Waseda University

Language: English



Abstract

In this research seminar, Prof. Bartolini and Dr. Nakano discuss the vision of post-growth, exchanging the experiences in Japan and Europe. The early twenty-first century saw growing concerns about non-material aspects of well-being, especially among younger generations in advanced industrial societies. This new situation is cultivating conditions for cultural transformation in both Japan and Europe, as illustrated by slow life, downshifting, and Beyond-GDP movements. The seminar explores concrete alternatives of post-growth and new social sciences research programs.



Global Asia Studies Workshop

Title: On the Trajectory of the Study of Relational Goods in Italy


Speaker: Stefano Bartolini (Associate Professor, Department of Political Economy and Statistics, The University of Siena, Italy)

Chair: Yoshihiro Nakano (Junior Researcher, Waseda University)

Date & Time: October 3 (Wed), 2018, 16:30-18:00

Place: Bld 22, 8F Seminar Room, Waseda University

Language: English



Abstract

In this workshop, Prof. Stefano Bartolini introduces the trajectory of the study of relational goods in Italy. 'Relational goods' are a new concept introduced in the Italian school of the economics of happiness. The concept illuminates various aspects in which economic activities contribute to the production of social relations and the enhancement of relational well-being. In this presentation, Prof. Bartolini presents a basic theoretical framework of relational goods, based on his book Manifesto For Happiness.




General Information

Event Information Page: https://www.waseda.jp/global-asia/article/2018/09/529

A Campus Map of Waseda University can be found at: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/access/waseda-campus


About Us: The Global Asia Studies Research Center aims to contribute to the global interdisciplinary scholarship on reconciliation and sustainable development and to disseminate its results from Asia to the world. We pursue our research through the dual perspective of global history and global governance, integrating three spheres of knowledge: peace and security, economics and development, and society and culture.



Our official homepage: https://www.waseda.jp/global-asia/


We regularly hold research workshops in which scholars deliver presentations and engage in discussion with members of the audience. Presentations generally last about 45 minutes, followed by 45 minutes of discussion. These forums are open to scholars and members of the general public. All are welcome to attend, but please register in advance via e-mail (to Jeff Hall at jeffreyhall@aoni.waseda.jp ) so that we can prepare seating for participants.