nongrowthoriented

Nongrowthoriented is an adjective used to describe individuals, organizations, or policies that do not prioritize economic growth as the primary objective. In this usage, success is defined by factors such as environmental sustainability, social equity, resilience, or high-quality of life, rather than by increases in gross domestic product or other growth metrics.

The term is often associated with debates about post-growth, degrowth, and steady-state economics. Proponents argue that ecological limits, resource scarcity, and social costs of growth require policies that curb or slow growth, or shift focus to well-being indicators. Critics argue that strict nongrowth orientations can reduce innovation, employment, or living standards, and that growth can be compatible with sustainability through efficiency and technology.

In practice, nongrowthoriented approaches can appear in various domains: environmental policy aiming for sustainable consumption, corporate or municipal strategies emphasizing resilience, circular economy, or sufficiency; or development frameworks prioritizing health, education, and equality over GDP expansion.

The term itself is not universally defined and is used variably across disciplines. Related concepts include degrowth, post-growth, and steady-state economy. In policy discourse, nongrowth orientation is tied to metrics beyond GDP, such as the Human Development Index, Genuine Progress Indicator, or measures of well-being.