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Degrowth: What's in it for the labour movement?

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  • Edwards, Zac

Abstract

Degrowth has gained attention in recent years as a paradigm for environmental activism and policy. While degrowth is often associated with prefigurative politics, there is emerging interest among degrowth proponents in contentious mass politics and engagement with other social movements. Debate has thus emerged over what kinds of social forces might be mobilised in pursuit of a degrowth transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Edwards, Zac, 2025. "Degrowth: What's in it for the labour movement?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 236(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:236:y:2025:i:c:s092180092500165x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108682
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    References listed on IDEAS

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