This book provides a comprehensive theory of degrowth. It conceptualises degrowth as a multi-faceted phenomenon on different scales (trans-national, national and local) and sites (civil society, the state and business) and discusses a range of ecosocial policies and initiatives capable of bringing about deep transformations.

Introduction1 Capitalism, the growth imperative and (human) nature2 Institutional forms and diversity: from capitalism to degrowth3 Theorising deep transformations4 Civil society in degrowth transformations5 The state in degrowth transformations6 Business in degrowth transformations7 Degrowth transformations – an empirical studyConclusion: the four planes of degrowth

Degrowth is a multi-faceted phenomenon. As a research field, social movement and political project, it brings together a range of practices including alternative forms of living and initiatives of various kinds in civil society, business and the state. Yet, no comprehensive theory of degrowth transformations has so far been developed. Deep transformations fills this gap. This timely and accessible book unfolds a holistic theory of degrowth transformations. Such transformations involve changes in various dimensions of social being: changes in how humans interact with nature, non-humans and one another; changes in social structures; and changes in how we are as human beings. The book suggests that for degrowth transformations to occur, actions in civil society, business and the state are necessary on the local, national and transnational scales. Moreover, it identifies a range of mechanisms that can bring about degrowth societies. These include ecosocial policies, transformative initiatives in business and civil society and alternative modes of being in and relating to the world. This perspective is informed by multiple fields of knowledge, including political economy, sociology, geography and philosophy. Providing a comprehensive theory of degrowth transformations, this volume identifies the mechanisms that could facilitate degrowth.