Tracing the ‘Degrowth Movement’: Insights from Academic Literature

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Over the years, various alternative models of innovation have surfaced globally, aiming to tackle diverse societal issues. One significant area of academic debate in this context has been 'degrowth.' This concept focuses on a fundamental reshaping of political and economic systems, advocating for a reduction in energy and resource consumption. The use of the term 'degrowth' has become more common among researchers and activists, who use it to challenge the principles and costs linked with development driven by growth. The origins of this discussion can be traced back to the early 1990s, and it has since become a focal point in debates surrounding innovation and economic policy. Over time, scholars have scrutinized the concept, connecting it to the status quo or dogma, thereby calling for the conduct of more studies in this regard. This article contributes to the examination of the degrowth discourse over the past decade within scholarly works. Methods: Utilizing R programming, it conducts an in-depth analysis of 933 scholarly articles, revealing the core aspects of this dialogue and offering a data-driven review of the literature. Results: The study identifies various trends within this discourse and, through sentiment analysis of the term, illustrates the increasing agreement and policy focus on degrowth over the past decade. Conclusion: The data analysed review of literature is illustrated through various types of plots, each uncovering the different dynamics of degrowth. The article finally offers various insights about degrowth that can influence the positive development of economic and environmental policies.