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Deconstructing (De)growth

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  • Arnaud Z. Dragicevic

Abstract

This paper advances the literature on sustainability by examining the mathematical underpinnings of the Degrowth paradigm and its relationship to other prominent frameworks. Building on a deconstructive methodology, we analyze policy intersections depicted in a Venn diagram form using set theory and hypergraph analysis. Our findings reveal multiple internal contradictions among Green Growth, the Green New Deal, and Degrowth, particularly regarding the reconciliation of productivity‐driven objectives with resource reduction and social equity. Rather than treating these paradigms as mutually exclusive, we show that a new Integrative Green Convergence approach emerges when seemingly contradictory policy elements are treated as nonempty intersections. In doing so, we link these conceptual integrations to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), assessing their potential to reconcile environmental limits with social well‐being. The study highlights the value of mathematical and deconstructive methods in revealing hidden synergies within sustainability models, paving the way for future research and policy development.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnaud Z. Dragicevic, 2026. "Deconstructing (De)growth," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S1), pages 783-792, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:s1:p:783-792
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70199
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yaryna Khmara & Jakub Kronenberg, 2020. "Degrowth in the Context of Sustainability Transitions: In Search for a Common Ground," Lodz Economics Working Papers 1/2020, University of Lodz, Faculty of Economics and Sociology.
    2. Arnaud Z Dragicevic & Jean-Christophe Pereau, 2024. "Comparing climate pledges and eco-taxation in a networked agricultural supply chain organisation," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 51(2), pages 354-398.
    3. David Klenert & Linus Mattauch & Emmanuel Combet & Ottmar Edenhofer & Cameron Hepburn & Ryan Rafaty & Nicholas Stern, 2018. "Making carbon pricing work for citizens," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 8(8), pages 669-677, August.
    4. Arnaud Z. Dragicevic & Jean-Christophe Pereau, 2024. "Comparing climate pledges and eco-taxation in a networked agricultural supply chain organisation," Post-Print hal-04510138, HAL.
    5. David Griggs & Mark Stafford-Smith & Owen Gaffney & Johan Rockström & Marcus C. Öhman & Priya Shyamsundar & Will Steffen & Gisbert Glaser & Norichika Kanie & Ian Noble, 2013. "Sustainable development goals for people and planet," Nature, Nature, vol. 495(7441), pages 305-307, March.
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