Exploring Degrowth: Unraveling the Slogan, Movement, or Concept
In the ever-evolving landscape of economic and environmental discourse, a novel concept has taken center stage—Degrowth. The EUC Seminar Series 2023-2024 kicked off with an engaging Session 1, titled “Degrowth: a slogan, a movement, or a concept?” It had over 300 people registered from 37 countries and delved into the origins, controversies, and prospects of this intriguing paradigm shift.
The Speakers: The event featured speakers Peter Victor and Sam Bliss, who brought their expertise to the forefront of the discussion. With Anna Zalik moderating, the webinar promised a comprehensive exploration of degrowth—its roots, nuances, and implications.
The Controversies Surrounding the Name: One of the intriguing aspects addressed was the controversy surrounding the term “degrowth.” Is it just a slogan, a rallying cry for change, or a fully-fledged academic concept? The session explored how language shapes perception and the challenges inherent in labeling such a multifaceted idea.
Recognition in Academia and Grassroots Initiatives: The conversation didn’t stop at theoretical debates. The seminar also spotlighted the advances in the recognition of degrowth within academia and its manifestation in grassroots initiatives. As a sub-field of ecological economics turned social movement, degrowth challenges the status quo by questioning the pursuit of infinite economic growth on a finite planet.
A New Approach to Well-Being: Unlike the notion of ‘green growth,’ degrowth advocates for a planned contraction of production and consumption in overdeveloped countries. It emphasizes a shift from short-term profits, over-production, and consumerism toward sufficiency, redistribution, social and ecological well-being, and autonomy. The movement and scholarship explore the potential for improved quality of life and social justice when economic growth is balanced with respect for environmental limits.
Upcoming discussion scheduled
Thursday, December 14 at 11:30 am EST.
You are warmly invited to join Session 2: “Decolonization and feminism: does degrowth cut it?”
This upcoming discussion, scheduled for Thursday, Dec 14 @ 11:30 am EST, will explore the alignment (or lack thereof) between degrowth and decolonial and feminist approaches. Speakers Corinna Dengler and Wendy Harcourt, moderated by Ellie Perkins, promise to dissect the synergies and contradictions between these critical perspectives.
The EUC Seminar Series 2023-2024, under the theme “Aim high, degrow: dialogues on degrowth,” sets the stage for unraveling the complexities of degrowth. As we navigate these dialogues, the aim is not just to understand degrowth but to envision a future where sustainability, justice, and well-being take precedence over unchecked economic growth. For those intrigued by this exploration, more detailed information, including registration links and speaker bios, can be found here.
The dedicated Aim High, Degrow team—Kelly Gingrich, Elaine Howarth, and Anna Stratton—are steering this intellectual journey, inviting all to shape a more sustainable and just world.
