Three Pathways for Post-Growth Societies
As global crises intensify – from climate disruptions to economic instability – societies face fundamental questions about governance and sustainability. Researchers at Corvinus University of Budapest have identified three plausible trajectories emerging in a world moving beyond traditional economic growth paradigms. Each pathway carries distinct implications for Hungary and other nations navigating ecological limits.
1. The Autocratic Collapse Scenario
When environmental pressures combine with social inequality, the research suggests centralized power structures often respond by restricting democratic participation. The autocratic collapse model envisions:
- Top-down decision-making justified by emergency conditions
- Erosion of civil liberties under pretexts of stability
- Resource hoarding by political and economic elites
Recent Hungarian policy developments demonstrate how environmental regulations can sometimes mask anti-democratic tendencies. While not inevitable, this trajectory remains a significant risk without deliberate countermeasures.
2. Ecological Authoritarianism (Ecocracy)
Ecocracy represents a technocratic approach to environmental limits:
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Rapid implementation of green policies | Limited public participation in decision-making |
| Clear environmental benchmarks | Reinforcement of existing inequalities |
The danger lies in creating “green bubbles” where sustainability becomes a privilege accessible only to wealthy urban elites, while rural communities bear disproportionate costs.
3. Democratic Care for Nature
Corvinus researchers identify this as the most sustainable model, combining:
- Grassroots participation in environmental decisions
- Legal recognition of non-human stakeholders
- Localized solutions through municipal cooperation
Hungarian examples like the Budapest Participatory Budget demonstrate how communities can collaboratively address ecological challenges while maintaining democratic values.
Implementing Democratic Care in Central Europe
Transitioning toward participatory sustainability requires concrete actions:
Individual Engagement Strategies
- Ecological awareness: Document biodiversity in your neighborhood
- Time banking: Exchange skills within community networks
- Academic advocacy: Propose sustainability initiatives at Corvinus University
Institutional Innovations
Corvinus University serves as a testing ground for democratic sustainability models through:
- Participatory eco-film clubs with discussion forums
- Cross-disciplinary research on post-growth economies
- Community partnerships addressing local environmental challenges
Next Steps for Sustainable Futures
The choice between these futures remains open. Corvinus University’s research emphasizes that democratic care systems don’t emerge spontaneously – they require intentional design and broad participation.
Hungary’s position in Central Europe creates both challenges and opportunities for developing alternative governance models. By learning from both historical mutual aid traditions and contemporary innovations, societies can craft responses to ecological crises that enhance rather than diminish democratic participation.
Explore Corvinus University’s sustainability research programs to deepen your engagement with these critical issues. Faculty and students collaborate on projects ranging from energy policy to community resilience frameworks.
Have questions about implementing participatory sustainability models in your community? Contact Corvinus University’s sustainability office at [email protected] for consultation and resource recommendations.
Attend the upcoming public lecture series on post-growth economics at Corvinus University, featuring international experts and local policymakers. Registration opens monthly through the university’s events portal.
