PhD defence H.W. (Hans) Stegeman

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

In this dissertation, Hans Stegeman argues that mainstream economic thinking is fundamentally ill-equipped to address ecological and social sustainability. While environmental degradation and inequality are often treated as externalities, he contends that these should instead form the foundation of economic analysis and policy. By integrating insights from ecological economics, systems thinking and transition studies, the dissertation proposes a new framework for a truly sustainable economy.

The research comprises four main components: (1) a theoretical critique of market economics in relation to sustainability; (2) a conceptual model that connects ecological, economic and social systems and highlights feedback loops and tipping points; (3) an empirical analysis of institutional varieties and their impact on sustainability outcomes; and (4) a comparative study of policy proposals, assessed through the lens of worldviews, actor roles and logics of change.

Synthesising these strands, the dissertation formulates five key insights on what is required for transformative change. Stegeman advocates for an economy centred on plural wellbeing, respectful of planetary boundaries, and governed by institutions that enable collective decision-making and long-term resilience.

This research contributes to academic debates on post-growth economics, institutional reform, and the role of economics in shaping sustainable societal transitions.