Theoretical distinctions in the doctrine are clear. The traditional model emphasizes the extractive economic base as the engine of regional economic growth. When basic industries grow, people move to the region to take the jobs. In GrowthFAD, regional growth stems from a demise of extractive activity, which increases environmental amenities, which attracts labor, which attracts businesses and the jobs they provide. Not surprisingly, adherents to different doctrine see the world differently.
Traditionalists see extractive industry doing fine, and contributing to regional well-being.
Given their values, theory, and real-world observation, adherents to both doctrines make leaps of faith. Because GrowthFAD adherents believe regional growth is caused by extractive decline, they advocate curtailing extraction, or, at minimum, not mourning its natural demise. Traditionalists believe that extractive industry is a critical element in regional economic growth. They promote extractive activity. Concluding Comment Sorting out the validity of values, theory, and empirical fact is a task for a lifetime, not of one paper.