Leaving development behind: the case for degrowth

This chapter makes a case for abandoning development and growth as organizing principles of social and economic life. First, we examine the emergence of the development doctrine, drawing attention on its origins and philosophical underpinnings. Second, we undertake a critical analysis of the ideas of progress, development, and growth, calling attention to their unrecognized social and environmental costs. Third, we scrutinize attempts to harmonize development and environment, through the notion of sustainable development. We argue that this concept and its associated policy agenda have contributed to mask the conflict between growth and the environment, drawing attention away from effective sustainability strategies. Finally, we present degrowth as a social and intellectual movement that advocates reduced production and consumption in the affluent regions of the world, placing wellbeing, justice, and sustainability and the center of political agendas.