Integrating Degrowth and World-Systems Theory: Toward a Research Agenda

Abstract

This short conceptual article seeks to integrate world-systems theory and degrowth. It suggests that an ecological rendering of world-systems theory can clarify some of the most important quandaries of the degrowth movement in regards to global justice, decolonialism, the excessive material throughput of the Global North, and globalization. The article reframes these concerns from a world-systems framework that recognizes global hierarchies, imperialism, and dependencies, issues that the degrowth movement as a whole has failed to sufficiently address. It argues that while degrowth has made some progress in conceptualizing the kinds of changes that would be necessary for a more sustainable and just global economy, further proposals and research into deeper, world-systemic changes are necessary.