Sandy Darity, a distinguished economist and professor, has contributed to discussions in the field of economics, particularly focusing on issues related to racial and economic inequality. Darity has criticized certain principles and assumptions in mainstream economics, including the scarcity principle, which asserts that resources are limited, and individuals must make choices based on those constraints. He advocates for alternative ways of thinking about economics and addressing economic disparities, which may include:

  1. Asset-Based Approaches: Darity has emphasized the importance of addressing wealth and asset disparities, particularly within marginalized communities. He has proposed initiatives such as "baby bonds," which would provide every child with a government-funded savings account to help reduce wealth inequality.
  2. Structural and Institutional Analysis: Darity has called for a deeper examination of the structural and institutional factors that perpetuate economic disparities. This includes analyzing the historical and ongoing impacts of discriminatory policies and practices.
  3. Reparations: Darity has been a vocal proponent of reparations for descendants of enslaved people in the United States. He argues that reparations are a way to address the historical injustices that have led to significant economic disparities.
  4. Targeted Policy Solutions: Darity supports targeted and specific policies that aim to reduce inequality, particularly racial economic disparities. These may include policies that address issues like access to education, affordable housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
  5. Job Guarantee Programs: Darity has also proposed the implementation of job guarantee programs to ensure that every individual who wants to work can find employment, which can reduce unemployment and underemployment.

Darity's work and ideas often challenge some of the traditional assumptions in economics, including the scarcity principle, by highlighting the role of historical injustices, discrimination, and structural factors in shaping economic disparities. His emphasis on targeted policies and a more comprehensive understanding of economic inequality has influenced discussions on how to address these issues more effectively. While these are not necessarily "alternatives" to the scarcity principle, they represent different perspectives and approaches to understanding and addressing economic disparities within the framework of economics.