A Multi-Media Q Methodology Investigation of the Degrowth Concept Among Young Citizens
Résumé
The acceleration of research efforts dedicated to degrowth has been noticeable since 2012, along with a growing public interest. While many definitions of the degrowth notion exist, Schneider et al. (2010) define it as “an equitable downscaling of production and consumption”. Many views and discourses on degrowth arise 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 multi-media Q-methodological investigation of degrowth based on statements, pictures and sounds. In the first part, citizens trained in sustainable development project management, completed three Q sorts with separate Q sets each comprising of statements, pictures or sounds. In the second part, a different set of participants completed a follow-up study with just a picture Q set. 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.