In an era where the relentless pursuit of economic growth collides with the imperative need for environmental sustainability, the paradigm of ‘post-growth’ emerges as a radical yet essential policy agenda. Post-growth is a transformative economic theory that advocates for a deliberate reduction in economic output and throughput to create a sustainable and equitable society. When trying to draft a comprehensive post-growth policy agenda, one that transcends traditional economic metrics like GDP growth and aligns more closely with holistic well-being goals, we need first to understand what post-growth is and what its policy agenda consist of. In this long-read, the first part of this series on post-growth, we will try to understand what post-growth is and what its policy agenda consist of, and in subsequent long-reads we look at critical conditions that need to be fulfilled and challenges to be overcome in the domain of culture, technology and geopolitics to realize post-growth’s policy agenda. As such, this first piece is the introduction in the conception of post-growth, while in later pieces we will conduct a transdisciplinary analysis of the post-growth paradigm and evaluate the progressiveness, feasibility and philosophical and cultural presuppositions that remain hidden in a first reading.
The core aim of the post-growth philosophy is that we are currently transcending the ecological and natural boundaries with our growth trajectory, and that a sustainable economy can be reached by reducing economic output while still satisfying basic human needs. That will first of all require reduction of economic output and throughput. For example, in energy and emissions, or in intermediate goods such as resources and materials. This will have to result in – whether voluntary or forced – cuts or declines in certain categories of consumption and production. In order to make this transition a ‘just transition’, societies will also have to redistribute wealth in order to satisfy everyone’s basic human needs. As such, post-growth aims to achieve sustainability and well-being instead of economic output and welfare, and the equalization of economic throughput, advocating that rich countries need to reduce their economic activity while guaranteeing everyone a basic level of consumption. Therefore, post-growth advocates not only for redistribution within societies but also between countries.
In order to do so, post-growth maintains that GDP growth should be discarded as an economic goal, as it is argued to be hardly decouplable from environmental damage, such as CO2 emissions and biodiversity loss, contrary to what is argued by green growth. Instead, the focus should be put on well-being targets, like health provision. As such, post-growth challenges the core of current economic paradigms by redefining what true prosperity means in a finite world, emphasizing community, ecological health, and a shift away from material wealth as the primary measure of success.
The concept of post-growth, gaining traction in recent years, has its roots in the seminal work "Limits to Growth" published in 1972. This groundbreaking report, commissioned by the Club of Rome, warned of the dire consequences if the then-current patterns of global growth continued unabated. It posited that within the next century, the planet would reach its growth limits, leading to an unsustainable future. The report was a clarion call, highlighting the necessity of establishing a state of ecological and economic stability that could endure far into the future. It envisioned a world where every individual's basic material needs are met, and equal opportunities are provided for the realization of human potential. The message was clear: the sooner the global community began striving for this equilibrium, the higher the likelihood of achieving it.
Fast forward to the present day, the urgency of environmental and economic problems has opened doors for more radical ideas, among which post-growth stands prominent. Since the early 2000s, post-growth has been increasingly discussed among activists and academics, who see it as a viable solution to the impending crises of resource depletion and environmental degradation. These discussions have been driven by the realization that traditional growth-centric models are incompatible with the finite nature of our planet.
In the 2020s, the concept of post-growth has moved beyond academic circles and activist groups, capturing the attention of mainstream media and political discourse. This shift reflects a growing acknowledgment of the urgent need to rethink our economic systems and priorities. For example, the European Parliament hold a conference on Beyond Growth, in which the idea of post-growth was prominent. In the Netherlands, post-growth proponent James Hickel joined the Dutch parliament for a discussion on the topic. As such, the idea of post-growth is no longer a fringe theory but is increasingly considered a necessary approach to address the global ecological crisis.
Post-growth generally aims for a democratic and voluntary shift to a different and sustainable economic system by reducing economic throughput. There are various views of what post-growth would entail in terms of specific policies. For instance, different proponents have distinct views regarding the use of markets to preserve nature, with some exponents being starkly against capitalism and opposing the capitalist framework altogether. Post-growth can be more or less socialist depending on how it is envisioned.
Post-growth can be distinguished from two other sustainable and environmental schools of economics:
So post-growth stands out because of its more radical approach to reducing economic throughput and combining this with a broader cultural, societal and political agenda as we will see.
“Degrowth speaks to the primary contradictions of our time: ecological overshoot, social shortfall, capital accumulation” (Fitzpatrick, Parrique, and Cosme (2022)). In order to do so, post-growth has a transformative and radical policy agenda. Central to the post-growth policy agenda is the concept of financial democracy, which advocates for a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources. This involves moving away from Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the primary measure of economic success, recognizing that GDP growth often does not equate to improvements in societal well-being. Another cornerstone of the post-growth agenda is the implementation of an extremely progressive taxation system on income, wealth, and inheritance. This system is designed to reduce income inequality significantly and redistribute wealth more fairly across society. Complementing this is the introduction of a universal basic income and job guarantees, ensuring that all individuals have access to a basic standard of living and employment opportunities.
Another critical aspect is the reduction of working hours which aims to improve work-life balance and reduce consumption. This is coupled with a revaluation of crucial professions, ensuring that jobs essential to societal functioning are adequately valued and compensated. The post-growth agenda also emphasizes the localization of production to reduce the environmental impact of long supply chains and promote local economies. It proposes quotas and progressive taxes on 'overconsumption' items such as SUVs, air travel, and meat consumption, aiming to discourage environmentally harmful practices.
Advertising limitations are also proposed to reduce the constant push towards consumerism. The agenda calls for democratic control over innovation and technology, ensuring that advancements like social media are aligned with societal needs and values rather than purely profit-driven motives. Restrictions on tourism, particularly air travel, are suggested to reduce the environmental impact of this industry. The agenda also includes the concept of "Just mobility," advocating for clean and accessible public transportation systems. Finally, the post-growth policy agenda promotes fair trade agreements and land reforms, including restrictions on real estate ownership and speculation, to ensure equitable access to resources and prevent exploitative practices. This comprehensive approach aims to create a more sustainable, equitable, and balanced world, where economic activities are aligned with environmental limits and social needs.
So, the post-growth paradigm and its ambition represents a transformative shift in economic thinking, diverging sharply from traditional and contemporary environmental approaches. At its core, post-growth challenges the perpetual pursuit of economic expansion, advocating instead for a deliberate downscaling of production and consumption. So unlike models that seek to align growth with environmental goals (e.g. green growth), post-growth emphasizes the reduction of material throughput, energy use, and waste generation, not as a byproduct of efficiency but as a primary objective. It advocates for a societal transformation where well-being and ecological sustainability take precedence over economic indicators like GDP. This includes radical policy proposals such as a highly progressive taxation system, reduction of working hours, and strict limitations on resource-intensive and environmentally damaging activities. This approach is grounded in the belief that endless growth is unsustainable on a finite planet and that true sustainability requires a fundamental reevaluation of our economic priorities. Post-growth, therefore, also represents a distinct departure from paradigms that have no specific claims on what to do with economic growth. It calls for a profound cultural and economic shift towards living within our planetary boundaries, prioritizing equity, and redefining what constitutes progress and quality of life. As such, the policy agenda of the post-growth paradigms aligns well with the guiding principles that we set out in our Deep Transitions Framework.
As the post-growth movement gains momentum, it is poised to bring about profound changes in various aspects of our lives, and in a post-growth future we will see a heightened scrutiny of current dominant industries and consumer practices that are deemed environmentally unsustainable or socially inequitable. For instance, the use of private jets and SUVs, symbols of excessive consumption and carbon footprint, could face increasing social and regulatory disapproval. Similarly, factory farming, often criticized for its environmental impact and ethical concerns, might undergo radical reforms or downsizing. To curb overconsumption and redistribute resources more equitably, progressive taxation on luxury goods and carbon-intensive products could become widespread. Consumption quotas, particularly on high-impact goods like meat from intensive farming, could be implemented to reduce environmental strain. This shift would not only encourage more sustainable consumption patterns but also generate revenue for social welfare programs.
The concept of ‘limitarism’, which proposes limits to the accumulation of personal wealth, could gain traction. This approach would involve capping income and wealth at certain levels, redistributing excess wealth to fund public services and support the less affluent. Such measures would aim to reduce income inequality drastically and ensure a more balanced economic landscape.
In a post-growth society, there would likely be a renewed appreciation for public services and essential professions. Jobs in healthcare, education, and public transportation, often undervalued in a growth-centric economy, could see increased investment, better wages, and greater societal respect. This shift would recognize the intrinsic value of these roles in maintaining a healthy, educated, and well-functioning society. The energy and healthcare sectors might witness a move towards partial or full nationalization. This change would be driven by the need to prioritize public interest and sustainability over profit. In energy, this could mean a greater focus on renewable sources and equitable distribution of energy resources. In healthcare, nationalization could ensure universal access to quality care, irrespective of an individual's economic status.
As post-growth principles permeate society, cultural values are likely to shift towards sustainability, community, and well-being over material wealth and individual success. This could manifest in reduced consumerism, greater emphasis on local and sustainable products, and a culture that values leisure and social bonds over work and consumption. There could be a resurgence of local communities and economies, with people taking a more active role in local governance, production, and consumption. This localism would foster stronger community ties and a sense of collective responsibility for environmental and social well-being. Contrary to the belief that post-growth stifles innovation, it could actually spur creativity and technological advancement within the boundaries of sustainability. Innovations in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy models could flourish in a post-growth-oriented world.
Last but not least, the political climate in recent months and years has in a sense moved away from post-growth, with rising populism and rising support for agricultural parties. Cases in point are the Netherlands, which have seen large protests in response to the unfolding nitrogen crisis, a strong focus in the public debate on the issue ‘bestaanszekerheid’ in terms of welfare, as well as electing a populist, right-wing government that vows to restore the Dutch industries that sustain the traditional worker rights and consumption patterns. In our geopolitical piece, we look at the broader geopolitical and geo-economic consequences concerning post-growth.
In conclusion, the future of post-growth points towards a radical transformation of our economic systems, societal structures, and cultural values. While it presents challenges and requires a significant shift in mindset and practices, it also offers a vision of a more equitable, sustainable, and fulfilling way of life. This speculative exploration, based on the elements provided, envisions the potential impacts of post-growth on our economy, society, and culture. At FreedomLab, we have done a scenario session on this post-growth future, to think through and imagine the practicalities and implications of a post-growth society. Through this exercise, we aimed to understand the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that such a transformative shift entails. The session brought to light various aspects of post-growth, including its impact on technology, geopolitics, culture, and the global economy. These we will describe in the subsequent long-reads of this series that will focus on these domains and how to realize the post-growth policy agenda. In the last long-read of this series we will also come back to our scenario session to discuss practical next steps to realize post-growth’s policy agenda.
