Degrowth and Technology: Towards feasible, viable, appropriate and convivial imaginaries. (1st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kerschner, Christian; Wächter, Petra; Nierling, Linda; Ehlers, Melf-Hinrich
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 197(2018)Part 2
• Page Start: 1619
• Page End: 1636
• Publication Date: 2018-10-01
• Subjects: Degrowth -- Technology -- Governance -- Evaluation -- Conviviality -- Imaginaries; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.07.147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Mainstream sustainability discourses are firmly built on the mantra that more technology leads to more economic growth, which in turn leads to more welfare and sustainability. With economic growth becoming ever more difficult and undesirable, and sustainability challenges ever more pressing, alternative post-growth and Degrowth discourses have gained momentum in the last decade. However, the role of technology on the path towards a 'Degrowth Society' is far from clear and subject to intense debate between enthusiasts and sceptics of technology. This editorial to the special issue on 'Degrowth and Technology' represents the first in-depth analysis of the multiple perspectives on technology present in the Degrowth community. Using an artistic analogy, we illustrate four main areas of exploration for a future Degrowth and Technology research agenda: 1) theoretical and conceptual approaches, 2) case studies of innovative socio-technical arrangements, 3) evaluation of technologies according to their feasibility, viability, appropriateness and conviviality and 4) governance approaches. Moreover, we identify and discuss reoccurring themes in the texts such as energy, agency and democratisation of technology and introduce new concepts such as 'Degrowth Technology' and 'Degrowth Society'. Finally, we offer guidance for future research and for the development of a shared socio-technological imaginary of the Degrowth community. Graphical abstract: Vase and flowers analogy of a shared socio-technological Degrowth imaginary. Every aspect of the analogy has a specific meaning: vase = analytical normative Degrowth framework, base of the vase = theory; bulge = broader set of case studies; opening top = evaluation and governance (like a barrier to entry); flowers = impermanent selection of Degrowth technologies that have temporary passed evaluation and governance; the bouquet = all chosen technologies need to work collectively in a Degrowth Society (no silver bullets!); water in the vase = symbol for interconnection and cross-fertilisation of all elements. (Illustrated by Monika Rygálová and Kristýna Krejčová, after a sketch by Christian Kerschner). Highlights: First ever in-depth analysis of the role of technology in a Degrowth society. Editorial of the Special Issue on Degrowth and Technology with 26 contributions. Reviews historical and contemporary Degrowth and Technology perspectives. Suggests categories and topics for a future research agenda. Derives guidelines for evaluation and governance of 'Degrowth Technologies'.