Problematising degrowth strategising: On the role of compromise, material interests, and coercion

Richard Bärnthaler

Ecological Economics, 2024, vol. 223, issue C

Abstract: Degrowth has been at the centre of ecological economics since the days of its inception. Recently, degrowth scholarship and practice have turned to questions of strategy. To contribute to this debate, this paper uses the methodology of problematisation to reveal and discuss unquestioned assumptions that underpin discursive degrowth-strategy practices and hinder effective strategising. Based on Buch-Hansen's assessment of the (not yet actualised) prerequisites for a degrowth paradigm shift, discursive practices are analysed against the aim of building a comprehensive coalition of social forces and achieving broad-based consent. In addition, the paper draws on Gramscian theory to introduce a third unactualised prerequisite: the will to coerce and rule. The analysis contributes to further developing a theory of deep social-ecological-economic change.

Keywords: Degrowth; Social ecological economics; Hegemony; Human needs; Problematisation; Strategy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:223:y:2024:i:c:s0921800924001526

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108255

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