A Multimedia Q Methodology Investigation of the Degrowth Concept Among Young French Citizens

Abstract

The acceleration of research efforts dedicated to degrowth has been noticeable since 2012, along with a growing public interest. While there are many definitions of the degrowth notion, Schneider et al. (2010) define it as "an equitable downscaling of production and consumption." Many views and discourses on degrowth exist but we can wonder to what extent people perceive different aspects of degrowth and its implications. These views and representations of the concept can be sketched by verbal, visual or even auditory stimuli. For that reason, we describe a two-part multimedia Q-methodological investigation of degrowth based on statements, pictures and sounds. In the first part, young French citizens trained in sustainable development project management completed three Q sorts with separate Q samples, each comprised of statements, pictures or sounds. In the second part, a different set of participants completed a follow-up study with just a picture Q sample. Eight subjective views of degrowth were identified: institutional, idealistic, back to nature and pacifist, consumption-aware, activist, analytical realistic, socio-degrowth, and holistic. Two of them were captured only though non-verbal stimuli.