This session explores strategies for futures beyond growth in the context of the Nordic welfare states, reflecting a growing public interest, and ongoing academic research projects that critically examine current growth paradigms.

Degrowth has been described as not primarily driven by the government, but rather evolving through grassroots movements. Nordic models of a strong welfare state within the framework of capitalism provides a potentially different starting point when it comes to aspects such as trust in institutions, a “culture of consensus” and reliance on the state, but also in terms of strong individualism and overconsumption. The session encompasses presentations on what futures beyond growth could entail in this context. It will contextualize degrowth and explore in what ways Nordic perspectives differ from and/or share similarities with other perspectives on degrowth. Presentations:

1. “Nordic degrowth: beyond the strong state?”. Pernilla Hagbert & Erika Öhlund, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden.

2. “Ecologies of welfare: possibilities for degrowth in Sweden”. Alexander Paulsson, Lund University, Sweden.

3. “Post-Keynesian thoughts for Nordic not-for-growth economies”. Paavo Järvensivu, BIOS Research Unit, Finland.

4. “What is and how can we achieve a sustainable economy? Basic assumptions as drivers of agreement and disagreement in Finland”. Timo Järvensivu, Aalto University School of Business, Finland.

5. “The welfare state, well-being and degrowth: addressing some of the challenges”. Kristoffer Wilén, Hanken School of Economics & Finnish degrowth network, Finland.

Moderator: Karin Bradley, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

This media entry was a contribution to the special session „Strategies for degrowth in a Nordic context“ at the 5th International Degrowth Conference in Budapest in 2016.