Ideology · Political ecology

Degrowth

The Homesteader

«Less, but better.»

Holds that infinite growth is incompatible with a finite planet. Proposes sufficiency, local communities, a circular economy and a new relationship with nature.

In short

On the traditional scale, this ideology sits in the libertarian left camp. The clearest positions are on environment: strongly towards “ecology”; foreign policy: strongly towards “pacifism”; democracy: strongly towards “direct democracy”; devolution: strongly towards “federalism”. Among the other ideologies, the closest is eco-socialism (96%).

Principles

Sufficiency and limits
Self-sufficient local communities
Caring for nature

Reducing production and consumption to respect the planet's limits and live better.

Common criticisms

Fewer jobsCritics fear unemployment and poverty.

Poor countriesThose who still lack the basics need growth.

Winning supportAsking people to consume less is a hard sell at the ballot box.

Where it comes from

It began with "The Limits to Growth" (1972) and Serge Latouche; in Italy it has inspired local networks and movements.

Key figures: José Mujica, Pier Paolo Pasolini

Further reading: Farewell to Growth — Serge Latouche; Silent Spring — Rachel Carson

Position on the 13 axes

Similar ideologies

Eco-socialismThe Red Sower96%Democratic socialismThe Tribune93%Libertarian socialismThe Self-Manager92%

Closest parties in Europe

Green PartyUnited Kingdom93%

PodemosSpain93%

SumarSpain92%

Plefsi EleftheriasGreece92%

Closest figures

Angelo BonelliCo-spokesperson of Europa Verde95%

Greta ThunbergClimate activist95%

Elizabeth MayLeader of Canada's Greens94%

Zohran MamdaniMayor of New York93%

Bernie SandersUS Senator92%

How close are you to Degrowth?The test is free and needs no sign-up: three minutes are enough.

Take the test →

Positions are estimates based on documented ideas, platforms and actions, updated to October 2026.