Reinterpreting Degrowth: Addressing Historical Inequalities and Sustainable Development in the Global South with a Special focus on Sri Lanka

As the concept of degrowth gains traction as a response to escalating ecological crises, its applicability to the Global South presents complex challenges. Historically, the Global North has been the primary driver of industrialization, economic expansion, and environmental degradation, disproportionately contributing to global issues like climate change and resource depletion. In contrast, the Global South, with its rich traditions of self-sufficiency, faces severe developmental challenges, including poverty and inequality, exacerbated by colonial legacies and economic dependency. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, grounded in postcolonial theory, to explore the dynamics between the Global North and South. Through a case study of Sri Lanka, the research examines how degrowth principles can be reinterpreted to meet the specific needs and aspirations of the Global South. The methodological approach is informed by ecological economics and political ecology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and social equity. The study proposes a tailored approach to degrowth in Sri Lanka, leveraging the country’s historical and cultural strengths in sustainable living and community-based resource management. It advocates for the integration of degrowth-oriented policies into national development plans, emphasizing renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly tourism. Additionally, it highlights the importance of engaging local communities in the degrowth dialogue, ensuring that traditional knowledge systems are incorporated into sustainable development strategies. By reimagining degrowth within the unique socio-economic context of Sri Lanka, this paper argues that the country can pursue a development path that addresses both ecological concerns and the well-being of its people. The study also examines broader issues of global inequality, historical injustices, and the portrayal of the Global South in Western media, aiming to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.