Let’s put some life into this sub. I don’t think degrowth is possible under capitalism because the imperative to degrow contradicts the capitalist drive for the creation of value (valorization) which must always grow under capitalism’
Let’s put some life into this sub. I don’t think degrowth is possible under capitalism because the imperative to degrow contradicts the capitalist drive for the creation of value (valorization) which must always grow under capitalism’
Well, maybe it’s an English thing. In French décroissance is the opposite of croissance. But I’m not sure it’s well perceived either in English countries.
That’s the problem I’m talking about: only privileged people can see degrowth as a good thing, because they’re already swimming in more than they can live with. Most people, even in rich countries, are poor. They don’t want to hear about decreasing their way of life because they’re already on the floor and on the verge of poverty, if they’re not outright into it.
The very concept of degrowth needs to die and be replaced by a new one. Because it’s a concept that’s only useful for the bourgeoisie right now. It’s a concept for privileged people who want to feel better about it and do something. It is very much part of the liberal mindset of the privigeled people of these countries. The very idea that the change comes from the people behaviours rather than the system itself.
The richest 10% are responsible for about half of global emissions. That also works for energy, income and most other things in that area. Globally we have a bit over 18% low carbon primary energy. Since emissions and energy are closely related, that pretty much means that you can lower global emissions by 2/3 or so by bringing down the global top 10% emitters to a bit over global average. To be in the top 10% of incomes your income needs to be above $35,000 per year. That is above the median income of Norway, Luxembourg or the US. So even in the richest countries most of the population does not have to cut back.
Hey.
Most degrowth advocates I’ve seen or read in France are not talking about lifestyle changes for individuals - or at least, not without radical changes in the organization of society.
I agree that blaming poor people for driving shitty cars and living in poorly insulated buildings is stupid and counter-productive. But that’s how ecology is concieved by the ruling political class, not degrowth advocates.