Considering Sustainable Degrowth from a Feminist, Transrational Perspective

Abstract

Today's global interlocking crises in the economic, ecological and social realms point to the need for profound change. Sustainable degrowth supporters propose multiple alternatives to move away from the dominant economic growth model, which they consider as the underlying problem. In this thesis, I investigate the intersection of degrowth and feminism, to identify how the promising degrowth movement can be enhanced and promoted. The economic growth model has been identified as patriarchal, in many ways. The two movements diametrically opposing economic growth and patriarchy, namely degrowth and feminism, only partially overlap. Degrowth lacks feminist voices and dominant contemporary feminism is deemed compatible with economic growth. Paying attention to the intersection of degrowth and feminism, I make use of the concept of Yin. Yin represents the feminine principle, that needs to be embraced in order to establish healthier relationships with money, economics and a more sustainable livelihood in general. This transrational perspective reaches beyond both movements, pointing to the power of meaning-making as opposed to the definition of an absolute truth, as a tool for profound societal change.