Work in a Degrowth Society

This study examines the work implications of “degrowth” as an alternative to the mainstream green economy or sustainable development approach. Rather than seeking to reconcile economic growth with ecological limits, degrowth calls for a fundamental socio-economic transformation that prioritizes ecological balance, social justice, and a redefinition of work. The paper examines the implications of this approach across five key dimensions: sectoral reorganization, financial mechanisms, job quality, work time, and specific target groups affected by the transition. By focusing on these domains, the article critically assesses how degrowth envisions a post-growth working environment, in contrast to market-driven green reforms. It argues that degrowth’s vision entails not only ecological downsizing, but also a shift in the normative and institutional foundations of work life.