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Against accumulation: lifestyle minimalism, de-growth and the present post-ecological condition

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  • Miriam Meissner

Abstract

The post-2008 financial crisis era has seen an upsurge in popular cultural narratives that implicitly challenge principles of economic productivity, consumption and growth by lamenting a so-called ‘world of too much,’ advocating ethics of minimalism, and renouncing everyday busyness. Narratives range from lifestyle advice on simplicity and de-cluttering private homes, to quests for the reduction of individual labor, communication, social contacts and distraction. This article questions these narratives in terms of eco-politics. Using Kate Soper’s concept of ‘alternative hedonism,’ the article analyzes a selection of five self-help books and one blog that promote lifestyle minimalism in order to interrogate their potential in stimulating de-growth eco-politics through popular culture. Drawing on post-ecological theory, it argues that narratives of lifestyle minimalism are paradoxical in that they resist yet at the same time promote capitalist cultures of growth. To overcome this limitation, it is crucial to understand and transform the narrative premises of lifestyle minimalism in ways that contextualize problems of ‘excess,’ ‘clutter’ and ‘a world of too much’ as intrinsic to the current system of capital accumulation. The article concludes by reflecting on the potential of an eco-movement that joins the alternative culture of minimalist hedonism with the eco-political agenda of de-growth.

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  • Miriam Meissner, 2019. "Against accumulation: lifestyle minimalism, de-growth and the present post-ecological condition," Journal of Cultural Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(3), pages 185-200, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jculte:v:12:y:2019:i:3:p:185-200
    DOI: 10.1080/17530350.2019.1570962
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    Cited by:

    1. Iwan Bos & Giovanni Maccarrone & Marco A. Marini, 2024. "Anti-Consumerism: Stick or Carrot?," Working Papers 2024.07, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
    2. Federico Savini, 2021. "Towards an urban degrowth: Habitability, finity and polycentric autonomism," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 53(5), pages 1076-1095, August.
    3. Malik, Faiza & Ishaq, Muhammad Ishtiaq, 2023. "Impact of minimalist practices on consumer happiness and financial well-being," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    4. Gong, Siyu & Suo, Danni & Peverelli, Peter, 2023. "Maintaining the order: How social crowding promotes minimalistic consumption practice," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    5. Duong, Trang Thi-Thuy & Ngo, Liem Viet & Surachartkumtonkun, Jiraporn & Tran, Mai Dong & Northey, Gavin, 2023. "Less is more! A pathway to consumer's transcendence," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    6. Elena Druică & Rodica Ianole-Călin & Andreea-Ionela Puiu, 2023. "When Less Is More: Understanding the Adoption of a Minimalist Lifestyle Using the Theory of Planned Behavior," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-18, January.
    7. Chelsey Willoughby & Severin Mangold & Toralf Zschau, 2020. "Small Houses, Big Community: Tiny Housers’ Desire for More Cohesive and Collaborative Communities," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-33, February.
    8. Shafqat, Tehmeena & Ishaq, Muhammad Ishtiaq & Ahmed, Anzar, 2023. "Fashion consumption using minimalism: Exploring the relationship of consumer well-being and social connectedness," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    9. Byambasuren Lkhagvadorj & Javzandolgor Purevsuren & Amgalan Bazargarid, 2020. "Climate Change and Human Choice: Measuring the Nudging," Proceedings of the 17th International RAIS Conference, June 1-2, 2020 044bl, Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies.
    10. Pangarkar, Aniruddha & Shukla, Paurav & Taylor, Charles R. “Ray”, 2021. "Minimalism in consumption: A typology and brand engagement strategies," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 167-178.

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