ABSTRACT 

　　This paper explores the Theory of Metabolic Rift (TMR), which addresses the disconnect between human societies and their natural environments. We identify three distinct forms of TMR: the simple, the general, and the extended form. This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of TMR's theoretical underpinnings and its applicability to current ecological and economic challenges. Finally, examining the dialectical relationship between social structures and ecological systems, the study responds to the need for advancing ecosocialist research, which should emphasise concrete political responses to contemporary environmental challenges. Drawing from Ecological Economics, we propose a novel methodology incorporating Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Substance Flow Analysis (SFA) to illuminate the dynamics of the metabolic rift. This integration fosters interdisciplinary analytical tools for ecosocialist research offering pathways for systemic change towards ecological sustainability and social justice. 

　　KEYWORDS 

　　COVID-19; environmental crisis; paradigm shift; post-growth 

　　From: Capitalism Nature Socialism 2025 36 (3) 

　　Editor: Wang Yi