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Frugal abundance: Conceptualisation for degrowth

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  • Plomteux, Adrien

Abstract

The concept of ‘frugal abundance’ has recently been mentioned in numerous degrowth publications and even presented as “the essence of degrowth” (Kallis et al., 2022, p.2). However, it has not yet been clearly conceptualised. The aim of this article is to start filling this gap. It provides substance to degrowth-compatible understandings of frugality and of abundance based on frugality, stressing the importance of the autonomous and pluriversal design of ‘enough’. It highlights that human material desires can be finite and satiated under some societal organisations and cultures. It also proposes a definition of a society of frugal abundance: it is a society in which everyone has a good life, consumption is low enough to achieve global ecological and social justice, and the material wants of everyone are satisfied. Through the notion of frugal abundance, the article argues that degrowth is associated with abundance, prosperity, richness, and it puts forth the term as a valuable addition to the conceptual and communication toolbox of the degrowth movement.

Suggested Citation

  • Plomteux, Adrien, 2024. "Frugal abundance: Conceptualisation for degrowth," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 222(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:222:y:2024:i:c:s0921800924001204
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108223
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