What is Degrowth and why would it be a solution for our society?

An economic theory that proposes to subvert some of the maxims of capitalism.

We live in an economic context in which material profit, productivity and the incessant struggle to achieve more and more growth and development take precedence.

But... what if instead of constantly growing, we stop growing? Degrowth is a movement for economic development of a social nature. We are faced with an anti-crisis theory, whose objective is to optimally and responsibly reduce production, in order to achieve a balance between production/consumption and the use of natural resources needed to do so.

In the following we will expose the advantages and social benefits that degrowth can bring.The dissemination of which has not had all the expected support until today, where the future challenges will be those of supplying resources to an overpopulated world.

What does Degrowth consist of?

This trend emerged at the end of the twentieth century from the hand of the American mathematician and economist Georgescu-Roegen. His successful studies on sustainable economics and development earned him recognition as the founder and father of degrowth.

The pillars of Degrowth are based on abandoning the absurd idea of annual economic growth that we hear so much about in the news, and for which our governments advocate so much. Therefore, an effort is being made to talk more about voluntary degrowth. That is, working fewer hours and enjoying more free time.

There have been several economists who have aligned themselves with this thinking, but the most influential in making this theory known in modern society has been the Frenchman Serge Latouche.

For this author, degrowth in itself is neither a scientific thesis nor a significant revolution. In his own words, it is a simple and forceful concept to attract the attention of the world public. We are currently facing a serious problem of scarcity of primary resources; scientists and naturalist experts warn of the long-term risk if urgent measures are not taken in terms of domestic consumption.

For social growth

Latouche denounces the high commitment to the market economy to the detriment of quality in society.. Today, growth is only considered profitable if its effects have a positive impact on natural resources, future generations and the working conditions of workers.

For Serge Latouche, the cultural revolution is the only alternative. As he explains in his book "The Bet for Degrowth", he proposes a whole series of solutions under the prefix "re-", which denote repetition or regression, which he has baptized as the "8 Rs" model:

1. re-evaluate

The need to redefine current values, which are globalist, consumerist and extremely consumerist, for more local, cooperative economic and humanist values.

2. Restructure

To mold the means of production and social relations to the new scale of redefined values, such as the combination of eco-efficiency and voluntary values.

3. Redistribute

This concept has two purposes. On the one hand, it aims to directly reduce the power and means of the world's consumer class and, especially, of the oligarchy of large predators. On the other hand, it aims to re-educate the population by reducing the invitation to unnecessary and ostentatious consumption.

4. Relocate

Degrowth aims to produce locally, through local businesses and with essential goods to satisfy the needs of the population. Without trying to establish a system of frontiers, we must limit ourselves to producing what is indispensable for society, recovering the territorial anchorage.

5. Reconceptualize

Current development sacrifices society and its well-being in favor of "development entrepreneurs". In other words: the multinationals. It is a matter of making a change of values that leads to a different view of the current reality, an artificial reality of consumption. Thus, it is necessary to reconceptualize wealth in relation to poverty or scarcity over abundance.

6. Recycle

Extend the life of each and every product we use and avoid irresponsible consumption and waste.

7. Reuse

To make a long-lasting use of the material products we buy, such as clothes, household appliances or cars.

8. Reduce

The first and last essence of degrowth. Drastically reduce the impact on the biosphere of our way of producing and consuming. It is not only necessary to reduce our consumption of tangible products, but also of intangible ones, such as working hours and health consumption by reducing the purchase of medicines and the abuse of medical treatments.

Another indispensable element to reduce is mass tourism and the exaggeration of constant leisure.. The human spirit is adventurous, but modern industry has exaggerated this need by commoditizing to the fullest our travel impulses.

Degrowth as the only solution

Degrowth advocates an economic model to improve the quality of life of the majority. Among some ideas, it highlights the most important ones that govern our lives and sense of happiness, which are work and free time.

A reduction in the working day will lead to an increase in leisure time, and we need to use this time for social life and creative versus leisure time. and creative leisure versus consumerist leisure.