Beyond consumption: the promising contribution of voluntary simplicity

Abstract

Purpose Greater contribution of voluntary simplicity to sustainability may extend beyond the scope of consumption behavior. This paper aims to argue that work behavior is also important and it explores how and why personal consumption of the voluntary simplifiers relates to the way they work. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study uses in-depth interviews to explore the consumption–work experience relationship and driving values of voluntary simplifiers. Thailand is the chosen context, as it represents an emerging economy aiming to converge economic growth and sufficiency. Findings The findings demonstrate that, driven mainly by contentment and integrity, simple living complements leisurely, meaningful and, most intriguingly, ethical work. In return, such work behavior provides enough earnings and fulfills the beginners, as well as the progressive and extensive simplifiers. Research limitations/implications The consumption–work relationship model of the voluntary simplifiers provides an alternative starting point for further research and practice to tackle overconsumption, inequality, inequity and corruption – the critical challenges of sustainability. Originality/value This research takes a more complete approach to study the voluntary simplifiers. The empirical results demonstrate the greater scope of voluntary simplicity literature beyond sustainable consumption and work–life balance. Based on the consumption–work relationship driven mainly by contentment and integrity, this paper proposes meaningful and ethical work as the promising contribution of voluntary simplicity to sustainability.

Voluntary simplicity: A literature review and research agenda

“…This analysis shows that the majority of VS studies have been conducted in developed countries and especially in Anglo-Saxon countries (Figure 5). Although this finding may partially be due to the fact that our search was conducted in English, this result suggests that there is a need to study this lifestyle in diverse geographical locations, including developing and emerging countries (Kraisornsuthasinee & Swierczek, 2018), as VS is not exclusive of affluent people and developed countries (Huneke, 2005;Kala et al, 2017).…”

“…In-depth interviews 17 Hüttel et al (2018), Lorenzen (2018), Cherrier (2009a), Craig-Lees and Hill (2002, Lorenzen (2012a), Marchand andWalker (2008), Cherrier (2009b), Shaw and Moraes (2009), Ballantine and Creery (2010), Vannini and Taggart (2013), Housel (2006), McGouran and Prothero (2016), Walther and Sandlin (2013), Özgen (2012), Aguilar (2015), Kraisornsuthasinee and Swierczek (2018), Carpenter (2010) In-depth interviews + Focus group 1 Shaw and Newholm (2002) In-depth interviews + Netnography 1 Sandlin and Waither (2009) In-depth interviews + participant observations REBOUÇAS And SOARES a variety of data collection techniques. The current analysis of methods and techniques applied in VS studies is useful to learn about previous research designs and understand how this topic has been studied.…”

“…Elgin and Mitchell (1977) listed five VS core values: (a) material simplicity, (b) human scale, (c) self-determination, (d) ecological awareness and (e) personal growth. Nowadays, concerns with overconsumption habits and environmental matters have given rise to the popularity of the term 'simple life' on blogs, books and academic research as one possible solution for these problems (Botta, 2015;Connolly & Shaw, 2006;Haenfler et al, 2012;Iwata, 2001;Kraisornsuthasinee & Swierczek, 2018). Moreover, there has been criticisms as to the fact that some academic works in this field are superficial, speculative and that more scientific neutrality about the lifestyle is needed (McDonald et al, 2006).…”

“…There has been a noticeable increase in the number of publications between 2008 and 2020, with 77 articles (72%), suggesting that this area is a growing topic of research (Ballantine & Creery, 2010;Huneke, 2005;Markowitz & Bowerman, 2011;Peyer et al, 2017;Walther & Sandlin, 2013). This growth in the number of studies is aligned with the concern regarding sustainability and high materialism, as well as the popularity of related topics as minimalism, slow living and downshifting in blogs, books and other media (Botta, 2015;Connolly & Shaw, 2006;Haenfler et al, 2012;Iwata, 2001;Kraisornsuthasinee & Swierczek, 2018).…”

Small Houses, Big Community: Tiny Housers’ Desire for More Cohesive and Collaborative Communities

“…individual agency, personal wellbeing, and fostering deeper relationships with family members and friends (Kraisornsuthasinee and Swierczek 2018), community does matter. Many voluntary simplifiers are part of VS circles and discussion forums, most of which are "web-based" (Huneke 2005).…”