Degrowth – characteristic elements and strategies

The negative aspects of economic growth as a policy objective and target for future development has historically been suppressed by a general belief in its superiority. Degrowth confronts the core logic of growth and pinpoints where it is failing as a system. The academic field of degrowth is relatively young but is attracting more attention and has its own research network. With the aim of identifying characteristic elements and strategies, a literature review were performed. Degrowth can be described as a frame or an umbrella keyword that connects different types of actors, initiatives, goals, strategies,and policies. It derives from multiple academic fields stretching from bioeconomics to justice and its main goal is a future guided by ecological sustainability and well-being for all. It is defined by what it is against such as the capitalistic system, GDP and development, but also by what it advocates such as equality, democracy, localization, and sufficiency. Strategies involve sharing in different forms, economic instruments such as taxation of harmful activities, restriction of advertisement and strengthening of the commons. Degrowth envisions an altogether different society consistent of new institutions that is guided by alternative values such as altruism, respect, sufficiency, and solidarity.