Corporate Social Responsibility and the Path towards Post-Growth: Evaluating Firms' Moral Responsibilities to Contribute to the Foundation of a Post-Growth Transition

This thesis contributes to the ongoing debate on the role of firms in society by establishing an ethical foundation for their involvement in a post-growth transition. It emphasises the necessity of structural changes within firms and identifies them as pivotal actors in tackling the ecological and social crises of the Anthropocene. Humanity’s focus on economic growth and material accumulation has resulted in extensive environmental damage and increasing social inequalities. Tackling these interconnected challenges demands an urgent shift toward more equitable and sustainable societal structures. The post-growth paradigm offers a potential solution to these crises. This thesis examines how a CSR framework can justify firms' actions in paving the way for a post-growth society. It argues that firms, as influential societal actors, have compelling moral responsibilities to advance justice and sustainability. Traditional CSR approaches, which primarily focus on minimising harm, are...Show moreThis thesis contributes to the ongoing debate on the role of firms in society by establishing an ethical foundation for their involvement in a post-growth transition. It emphasises the necessity of structural changes within firms and identifies them as pivotal actors in tackling the ecological and social crises of the Anthropocene. Humanity’s focus on economic growth and material accumulation has resulted in extensive environmental damage and increasing social inequalities. Tackling these interconnected challenges demands an urgent shift toward more equitable and sustainable societal structures. The post-growth paradigm offers a potential solution to these crises. This thesis examines how a CSR framework can justify firms' actions in paving the way for a post-growth society. It argues that firms, as influential societal actors, have compelling moral responsibilities to advance justice and sustainability. Traditional CSR approaches, which primarily focus on minimising harm, are insufficient to justify proactive efforts by firms to address global injustices and promote societal well-being. To address this gap, the thesis develops a robust CSR framework grounded in three influential debates: the recognition of firms as collective moral agents, the attribution of positive duties, and firms' dual role within public and private spheres. It argues that this framework enables firms to play a vital role in building a post-growth society—a paradigm centered on human flourishing and ecological balance. By aligning ethical responsibilities with sustainable business practices, this thesis demonstrates that profitability and justice are not mutually exclusive. Ultimately, a robust CSR framework provides firms with both the moral and practical foundation to drive transformative change, bridging the divide between current challenges and a more equitable, sustainable future.Show less

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Corporate Social Responsibility and the Path towards Post-Growth: Evaluating Firms' Moral Responsibilities to Contribute to the Foundation of a Post-Growth Transition