Degrowth Comes in Four Distinct Visions

Degrowth proposes replacing the endless pursuit of economic growth with a model that prioritizes the health of the planet and social well-being. Long perceived as a single, radical idea, this approach now reveals a diversity of perspectives that reflect varied paths to achieve it.

A first vision, called ecological reformism, relies on businesses and consumers to transform markets. Here, the goal is to reorient the economy toward more environmentally respectful practices without challenging the capitalist system. Technological innovations and sustainable economic models play a central role, while acknowledging the resistance of the dominant actors in the financial system.

A second approach, systemic change, emphasizes strong state intervention. According to this perspective, businesses and individuals will not spontaneously change their behaviors. Strict policies, such as the nationalization of key sectors or binding regulations, are therefore needed to enforce a reduction in production and consumption. This vision draws inspiration from historical movements that sought to correct the excesses of capitalism through massive public intervention.

The third, transformative degrowth, favors a gradual and cultural change. It is based on the idea that society must first change its values and norms to abandon the growth model. Initiatives come from citizens, institutions, and businesses alike, but the focus is on collaboration and the democratization of decision-making. The state has a role to play, but it must act in partnership with civil society to avoid reproducing existing patterns of domination.

Finally, degrowth based on sobriety places local communities at the heart of the transition. It rejects technocratic solutions and the centralization of power, instead advocating for the autonomy of individuals and groups. The goal is to return control to citizens over their way of life, by promoting simple, local, and collaborative modes of production and consumption. This vision is grounded in critiques of industrial modernity and globalization, proposing a decentralized and self-managed social organization.

These four visions show that degrowth is not a monolithic bloc, but a set of proposals that vary in their radicalism and methods. Some advocate for progressive reforms, others for a complete break with the current system. Some rely on technological innovation, others on a return to simpler ways of life. Some prioritize state action, others citizen initiative. What unites them is the desire to rethink the economy to make it compatible with ecological limits and collective well-being.

Documentation and Sources

Reference Document

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44498-026-00115-y

Title: Varieties of degrowth: an analysis of archetypes

Journal: Journal of Industrial Ecology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Julian Kirchherr; Dennis Jansen; Kris Hartley