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Degrowth in the Context of Sustainability Transitions: In Search for a Common Ground

Author

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  • Yaryna Khmara

    (University of Lodz)

  • Jakub Kronenberg

    (University of Lodz)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study how sustainability transitions analytical framework can help to make other concepts of sustainable socio-economic development more specific and operational. Specifically, we investigate the linkages between sustainability transitions and degrowth. Both approaches to transitions – degrowth and sustainability transitions – are closely related. Ideologically, degrowth represents one of the most far-reaching forms of sustainability transitions, yet it would benefit from a more stringent conceptualization using the analytical framework of sustainability transitions. Based on a literature review of both degrowth and sustainability transitions, we distinguish several aspects which provide a common ground for both approaches. We apply some conceptual notions from sustainability transitions theory to describe the idea of a degrowth transition. Then, we analyse case studies of degrowth practices (mainly in an urban context), which demonstrate that they may be understood and managed as transition experiments.

Suggested Citation

  • Yaryna Khmara & Jakub Kronenberg, 2020. "Degrowth in the Context of Sustainability Transitions: In Search for a Common Ground," Lodz Economics Working Papers 1/2020, University of Lodz, Faculty of Economics and Sociology.
    • Handle: RePEc:ann:wpaper:1/2020
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/11089/31319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Ariel Macaspac Hernandez & Yudhi Timor Bimo Prakoso, 2021. "The Learning Activation Approach—Understanding Indonesia’s Energy Transition by Teaching It," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-19, August.
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    4. Alejandro De Castro Mazarro & Ritu George Kaliaden & Wolfgang Wende & Markus Egermann, 2023. "Beyond urban ecomodernism: How can degrowth-aligned spatial practices enhance urban sustainability transformations," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 60(7), pages 1304-1315, May.
    5. Ming-Feng Huang & Li-Pei Peng, 2023. "Extracting Evaluation Factors of Social Resilience in Water Resource Protection Areas Using the Fuzzy Delphi Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-18, September.
    6. Kiran A. Shinde & Daniel H. Olsen, 2022. "Reframing the Intersections of Pilgrimage, Religious Tourism, and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    7. Froese, Tobias & Richter, Markus & Hofmann, Florian & Lüdeke-Freund, Florian, 2023. "Degrowth-oriented organisational value creation: A systematic literature review of case studies," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    8. Polewsky, Max & Hankammer, Stephan & Kleer, Robin & Antons, David, 2024. "Degrowth vs. Green Growth. A computational review and interdisciplinary research agenda," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    9. Ozge Yalciner Ercoskun & Anna Kajosaari & Alois Humer, 2025. "Ecovillages and Transition Towns: Practices of Sustainable Settlements in Urban and Rural Austria," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-26, January.
    10. Haas, Mara, 2024. "Das transformative Potenzial suffizienzorientierter Stadtentwicklung als Beitrag zur Postwachstumsstadt in Wien," Forschungsberichte der ARL: Aufsätze, in: Finger, Anne & Badelt, Ole & Dahmen, Kathleen & Heilen, Lydia & Mai, Nora & Seegers, Ronja & Seewald (ed.), Transformationsprozesse in Stadt und Land: Erkenntnisse, Strategien und Zukunftsperspektiven, volume 23, pages 39-52, ARL – Akademie für Raumentwicklung in der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    niche; regime; landscape; transition experiment; degrowth practices; transition management;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q00 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - General
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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