Schedule 9th International Degrowth Conference

The degrowth movement has a strong support in the academic field and it is backed with theoretical knowledge. Researchers have found both ethical and empirical arguments to support degrowth ideas. Nevertheless, these ideas struggle to find their place in broader public discourse. Finding ways to talk about it is the first step towards changing behavior. Research show people generally struggle to imagine plausible and sustainable alternative to capitalism. Researchers are facing resignation and apathy when trying to discuss this issue in public. Although identifying concrete practices one can take at individual level while applying principles of the degrowth is often nominated as a key to solution, the problem goes deeper. Actually, it seems people have more than enough ideas about what they could do at an individual and even at the collective level, but they lack comprehensive framework which they could connect to the degrowth movement. It’s about finding a new frame they could identify with and understanding degrowth ideas are more than just a mere critique of capitalism, all of which makes structural changes easier to imagine. The challenge is to find a compelling narrative which could trigger positive emotions and attitudes in people so the movement could get public support. To do so, the academic discourse is not sufficient as mere rational argumentation fails to mobilize critical mass. Degrowth conferences can serve as a good example which combines science and action.

Info

Day: 2023-08-31
Start time: 10:00
Duration: 00:15
Room: ZV-8-3
Type: Paper Presentation
Theme: Communicating degrowth within a consumerist common sense

Links:

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