Work

Degrowth: A metamorphosis in being

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: The call to transform the growth society lacks an analysis of the human will. Problematically for degrowth, the enactment of this so-called will to transform has undesired matter-energetic consequences. Every act of transformation requires matter–energy, adding to the cumulative throughput of societies. To revert the ecospherical metabolism from a state of overshoot to one of degrowth, a metamorphosis in being is proposed. Building on Heidegger’s fundamental ontology, the article invites degrowth practitioners to become releasers by waiting for the unexpected and then to prepare for the expected, the collapse of civilization. A practice of releasement, where meditative thinking resides, is considered as an effective way to counter the destructive will to transform, and hence contribute to degrowth.

Source: Environment and Planning E Nature and Space

DOI: 10.1177/2514848618822511

Author: Pasi Heikkurinen

Institutions: University of Leeds, University of Helsinki

Language: English

Topic: Economic and Social Issues

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: European Commission, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Award: Technology for Sustainability in Organisations: Case Studies on Agricultural Production