Degrowth critiques the global capitalist system which pursues economic growth at all costs, causing human exploitation and environmental destruction. It exposes the interconnection of systems of domination such as capitalism, extractivism, colonialism, and patriarchy. As a social movement, a field of academic research and a practice, degrowth advocates for societies that prioritise social and ecological well-being. It proposes a radical (re)distribution of power, wealth and resources, a reduction in the material size of the global economy, and a shift in common values towards care, solidarity and autonomy. Degrowth means transforming societies to ensure environmental justice and a good life for all within planetary boundaries.
The word “degrowth” is often questioned as being problematic or misleading. For some it has a negative connotation and a false equivalence with a recession. Yet, the origin of the term is to be found in French, where “décrue” refers to a river going back to its normal flow after a disastrous flood. The English word “degrowth” became prominent after the first international degrowth conference in Paris in 2008. It has since then been established in academic writing as well as in the media and is used by social movements and practitioners. An advantage of using a term that is clear and unambiguous in its opposition to the capitalist system of economic growth is that it is hard to co-opt, like terms like “sustainable”, “green“ or “eco” have been. Besides, a term which is intentionally provocative is more effective at creating disruption and catalysing debates in a world where the critique of economic growth is a radical statement.
We object to all right-wing, racist and sexist forms of growth critique.
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