Degrowth - Taking Stock and Reviewing an Emerging Academic Paradigm

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Environmental Sciences

Background:

• Degrowth has transitioned from an activist movement to an academic paradigm.
• A comprehensive overview of peer-refereed degrowth literature was missing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze the degrowth academic literature published between 2006 and 2015.
• To identify trends, key themes, and future research directions in degrowth studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 91 peer-refereed articles on degrowth.
• Analysis of publication trends, author demographics, and thematic evolution.

Main Results:

• The degrowth discourse is a growing niche at the intersection of social and environmental sciences, dominated by authors from high-income countries.
• Early degrowth literature (pre-2012) was primarily conceptual, while later work includes modeling and empirical assessments.
• Key agreements exist on the unsustainability of infinite economic growth and the need for societal change, with ongoing debate on degrowth as a choice versus inevitability.

Conclusions:

• The academic degrowth discourse is maturing, moving towards more empirical and quantitative research methods.
• Further research using methods like input-output modeling and life-cycle assessments is recommended.
• Exploring non-market value creation and well-being benefits can enhance public support and contribute to social science paradigm shifts.