Is degrowth incompatible with historical materialism?

Abstract

The contemporary eco-Marxist discourse is sharply divided between a degrowth position and an eco-modernist position. While degrowth views capitalism’s limitless growth as fundamentally unsustainable, eco-modernism regards growth as the only viable path to socialism. The eco-modernist criticism of degrowth has its roots in Marx’s theory of history. According to this theory, known as historical materialism, the continuous expansion of the productive forces is the driving force of history and carries the promise of a socialism of abundance. In the eyes of eco-modernists, degrowth represents a brake on the productive forces and is therefore incompatible with traditional Marxism. This essay refutes this claimed incompatibility. Drawing on G. A. Cohen’s analysis of Marx’s theory of history, it demonstrates that a degrowth society is not only compatible with historical materialism, but may in fact be its logical outcome. By demonstrating this compatibility, I hope to make eco-modernists more open to degrowth arguments.

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Ulv Hanssen a,b

a Faculty of Law, Soka University, Tokyo, Japan 

b Swedish Institute of International Affairs, Stockholm, Sweden   

http://doi.org/10.36399/Degrowth.004.01.04    

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How to cite

APA

Is degrowth incompatible with historical materialism? (2026). In Degrowth Journal (Vol. 4). https://doi.org/10.36399/Degrowth.004.01.04

MLA

“Is Degrowth Incompatible with Historical Materialism?” Degrowth Journal, vol. 4, Sept. 2026, https://doi.org/10.36399/Degrowth.004.01.04.

Chicago

“Is Degrowth Incompatible with Historical Materialism?” 2026. In Degrowth Journal, vol. 4. https://doi.org/10.36399/Degrowth.004.01.04.

Harvard

“Is degrowth incompatible with historical materialism?” (2026) Degrowth Journal. Available at: https://doi.org/10.36399/Degrowth.004.01.04.