A graduate of ENS Ulm (École Normale Supérieure) and Sciences Po, Gabriel Malek positions himself as an advocate for alternative systems of production, consumption, and collective organization. In 2021, he founded the association Alter Kapitae, which promotes a new societal model based on the concept of prosperous degrowth. In 2022, he joined the team at Prophil, a company that supports entrepreneurs and governance bodies in their strategic shift toward alternative models, as a Senior Consultant specializing in post-growth strategies.
In Les Sensei de la Décroissance (“Senseis of Degrowth”)*, Gabriel Malek asserts the necessity of breaking away from our current system and building a society that is more socially just and environmentally respectful. According to him, mangas convey strong values such as the importance of social bonds, the fight against injustices, and harmonious coexistence with all living beings. Using examples from works like One Piece, FullMetal Alchemist, and the films of Studio Ghibli, Gabriel Malek suggests that the creators of these universes are should become new inspirations to the post-capitalist movement. Throughout his essay, he analyzes the radical critique of the ecological and social failings of the economic system, as represented in mangas and animes, while hoping to transcend traditional divides and mobilize new forces to address ecological and social crises[1]. He aligns himself with a growing body of ecological literature, emphasizing the idea of a shared and popular ecology — an essential lever, in his view, for building a more just and sustainable society. The iconic figures from mangas are thus presented as powerful sources of inspiration: bearers of values of solidarity and justice, they can help shape new collective imaginations.
In the first part of the book, the author explores the representation of domination systems in mangas and academic literature. He follows a marxist logic, examining the relationship between the owners of the means of production and the labor force. He also draws on the work of Pierre Bourdieu, who demonstrates that wealth is passed from one generation to the next, thus entrenching and reproducing inequalities. Malek expands on this with the analyses of Thomas Piketty[2], highlighting that, despite global wealth growth, inequalities are deepening within countries. Common goods, for their part, are being depleted to the benefit of a minority. He argues that the capitalist model has commodified social ties, resulting from the maximal exploitation of human and natural resources, forcing individuals to constantly fight for survival. He also addresses the theme of suffering at work and alienation through the film Spirited Away, in which the heroine loses her identity at the hands of her employer, reducing her to nothing more than a mere tool of production.Haut du formulaire
Mangas often depict dystopias related to ecological collapses, where the story unfolds in futures ravaged by environmental destruction[3]. Survivors can find themselves isolated, trapped on islands with hostile living conditions. To combat these ecological catastrophes, some view technology as the solution, claiming that human expertise can overcome the laws of nature. However, Gabriel Malek refutes this theory, seeing it as a source of inaction and perpetuation of the status quo.
The author then explores how mangas can serve as a source of inspiration. Indeed, heroes who are initially powerless defend causes close to their hearts, such as protecting their loved ones. These heroes transcend their personal limits in the service of a collective goal. Their quest for power does not stem from a desire for domination but from a commitment to defending values of justice. Characters like Luffy, Naruto, and Gohan embody this need for social justice, sometimes acting outside the established laws to restore it. The value of social justice, particularly in terms of wealth distribution, is presented as a key to establishing a post-growth system and supporting an ecological transition.
Gabriel Malek argues that political ecology must embrace its radical aspects and commit to concrete indicators, such as poverty reduction or land preservation. To initiate the overhaul of the economic system, this movement must demonstrate that an alternative model is possible through tangible achievements, offering a radical and joyful vision of the future.
However, the author deplores the lack of strong international governance, which he sees as a prerequisite for turning this ideal into a global movement. This movement would therefore need to first materialize at the local level, stemming in areas where the population’s quality of life is directly threatened by pollution. In these contexts, the demands of activists would resonate more naturally. This vision echoes through Miyazaki’s work From Up on Poppy Hill, in which high school students fight locally against the demolition of their foster home. One could also think of Princess Mononoke, where the forest rebels against a village of blacksmiths seeking to overexploit its resources.
Finally, the author refutes the notion that violence in mangas is gratuitous. The message is then clear: another world is possible, but it requires establishing a direct power relationship with those who obstruct its emergence. According to him, revolting is inevitable to build this new world, but it remains a means of change rather than an end in itself.
Thus, the author emphasizes the crucial importance of redefining our representations of happiness. To dream of and hope for a new prosperity based on solidarity and tangible utility, we need new utopias. Mangas play a vital role here by evoking deep emotions while conveying values of sharing and responsibility. The author therefore proposes to rebuild a relationship of respect with Nature, relying more on a humble spirituality and an acknowledgment of limits, rather than on a relationship of domination and exploitation.
In conclusion, in Les Sensei de la Décroissance, Gabriel Malek acts as a spokesperson for a new imaginary of popular ecology, which he sees reflected in Japanese manga culture. Mangas immerse us in enchanting worlds where anything is possible, where values such as friendship, social justice, and respect for all living beings take precedence over the quest for power. The author denounces the failings of our economic system, offering readers a necessary glimmer of hope for their mobilization. Like Luffy, the hero of the famous manga One Piece, it is essential not to be discouraged and to stand against injustices. By claiming the right to dream of a new society, we can provide future generations with the opportunity to live in a new, more equitable paradigm that respects the environment’s well-being.
Eugénie de Laubier, CEC/Toulouse School of Economics intern research fellow.
* Malek, G., Les Sensei de la Décroissance , Ed. Payot, (April 24th, 2024), pp.320.
[1] https://www.hellocarbo.com/blog/media/gabriel-malek-mangas-les-sensei-de-la-decroissance-entretien/
[2] In his landmark work Capital in the Twenty-First Century.
[3] One notable example is Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.