Love this! And would like to point out your analysis could benefit from considering the Actor-Network Theory (ANT), particularly when assessing the complex interplay between human actors, material "junk" as actants, and the semiotic networks that shape value and meaning within this system. Examining the intricate webs of relations and power dynamics among these heterogeneous elements might unveil novel perspectives on how the unsustainable aspects of the American model are co-constructed and perpetuated.
For instance, look into the specific actor-networks that underpin the production, consumption, and disposal of "junk" could expose the intricate ways in which objects, individuals, ideologies, and institutions mutually shape one another to uphold this unsustainable cycle. By tracing the trajectories of these actants, we might uncover the semiotic and material processes through which "junk" acquires value, becomes embedded within everyday routines, and ultimately contributes to ecological degradation and societal alienation.
Moreover, an ANT-informed approach could illuminate the global reach of the American model by analyzing how its embedded networks extend across national borders, shaping consumption patterns, resource flows, and waste management practices worldwide. Unraveling these transnational actor-networks could shed light on the mechanisms through which the American model exerts influence and perpetuates its unsustainable practices on a global scale.
Ultimately, incorporating ANT into your analysis could enrich our comprehension of the intricate socio-technical processes that drive the American economic model and its global implications. By acknowledging the agency of both humans and non-humans within these networks, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges involved in transitioning toward a more equitable and ecologically sound economic system.
Therefore, let us embrace Kant's imperative and recognize our shared responsibility to cultivate a more rational and just economic order where human dignity and environmental sustainability are not sacrificed at the altar of perpetual growth and consumption!
