(in Polish) Alternatywy dla wzrostu. W poszukiwaniu nowych modeli społeczno-gospodarczych 3002-2KON2025K18
The concept of shifting away from economic growth toward a model based on social and environmental justice, ensuring well-being for all while minimizing pressure on the natural environment, known as degrowth (French: décroissance) began gaining popularity in the early 2000s, but its roots date back to the 1970s and the discussions sparked by the publication of the Club of Rome report. Looking further back, we find numerous cultural traditions advocating for a life of moderation and harmony with the natural environment, from which contemporary movements can draw.
In this course, we will examine degrowth and other trends that offer an alternative to the capitalist economy of constant growth. We will discuss the sources of these ideas and their practical implementations. We will analyze key texts supporting these concepts and examine concrete actions. We will also examine the discourses surrounding the growth economy and the ecomodernist perspective.
This course description is introductory. The detailed program will be created based on discussions with participants and will take into account their interests.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
The student has a thorough understanding of economic and social concepts related to the critique of economic growth. The student is able to interpret the collected material taking into account the historical, social, and political context. In particular, they recognize the interdependencies between economic systems, social and cultural norms, and the natural environment, and are able to reconstruct these in the context of historical transformations. The student is competent to critically evaluate their knowledge and the content they receive.
Assessment criteria
Attendance is the basis for passing classes. Additional criteria will be established with participants during the first class. Two absences per semester are permitted; those with three to five absences should make up for them, for example, during office hours. Absences (even excused) from more than five classes will result in failure to pass the class. Only those with an Individual Organization of Studies (IoS) approved by the BON may have their absence limit increased, but no more than 50%.
The use of artificial intelligence tools in presentations and written term papers is specified in § 3 and 4 of Resolution No. 98 of the University Council for Education of December 8, 2023, regarding guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence tools in the educational process. Due to the fact that one of the basic skills acquired in the fields of study organized at the Faculty of Polish Studies is the efficient and professional use of written Polish, and in particular the scientific style, the use of artificial intelligence systems for proofreading and editing is prohibited.
Bibliography
- Brand, U. (2022). The Global Political Economy of the imperial mode of living. Global Political Economy, 1(1), 26-37.
- Chertkovskaya, E. (2022). A strategic canvas for degrowth: In dialogue with Erik Olin Wright. W: Degrowth & Strategy: How to bring about social-ecological transformation (ss. 56-71)
- Łapniewska, Z. (2017). Etyka troski a gospodarka przyszłości. Praktyka Teoretyczna, 2(24)
- Olk, C., Schneider, C., & Hickel, J. (2023). How to pay for saving the world: Modern Monetary Theory for a degrowth transition. Ecological Economics, 214, 107968.
- Gospodarka umiaru, czyli opinie Polaków o postulatach dewzrostu. Polski Instytut Ekonomiczny, Grudzień 2021.
- Nelson, A. (Ed.). (2025). Routledge Handbook of Degrowth. Taylor & Francis.
-David Graeber, D. (2019). Praca bez sensu. Wydawnictwo Krytyki Politycznej, tłum. Mikołaj Denderski
- Degrowth: A vocabulary for a new era, red. Federico Demaria et. al., 2015
- Jason Hickel, Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World, 2020
- Michael Löwy, "Ecosocialism. A Radical Alternative to Capitalist Catastrophe" 2015
- Joan Martınez-Alier, Environmental Justice and Economic Degrowth: An Alliance between Two Movements, "Capitalism, nature, socialism", 2012, nr 23
- Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen, Energy and Economic Myths, "Southern Economic Journal", Vol. 41, No. 3 (Jan., 1975)
- Housing for degrowth. Principles, Models, Challenges and Opportunities, red. Anitra Nelson, François Schneider, 2019
- Giorgos Kallis, Socialism without growth, "Capitalism, nature, socialism" 2017
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: