Degrowth: Everything you need to know

Feb 22, 2023

Degrowth is the idea that the purpose of the economy should not be growth but people's well-being. Image: Unsplash/andreacau

Olivia Rosane

Freelance Reporter, Ecowatch

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To understand what is meant by degrowth, it’s important to first understand what kind of growth the movement is advocating against. Image: Unsplash/mikesetchell

The word “degrowth” comes from the French word “décroissance,” which was coined in 1972 by social philosopher André Gorz. Image: Getty Images/Alain Pitton

Degrowth theorist Jason Hickel argues that this is not possible because economic growth is currently outpacing renewable energy adoption Image: Unsplash/logvisuals

A degrowth program would shrink the parts of the economy that are harmful, excessive or predominantly favor the wealthy. Image: Unsplash/Renaldo Matamoro

Hickel calls Degrowth “a demand targeted at the Global North. Image: Unsplash/Maria Lupan

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Relatedly, the degrowth movement emerged in Europe and centers wealthier cultures and economies in its program and analysis. Image: Unsplash/tomasjolmes

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