Development models based on the idea of growth have reached their limits from an environmental, social and human perspective. Moreover, the ideology according to which economic growth and technical progress are the only remedy for the various socio-ecological crises ignores the fact that six of the nine planetary limits (Rockstrom et al., 2009) are now outdated. The Summer School firstly plans to reflect on the concept of degrowth, within its critical and analytical scope. Then we will question the variations and challenges that come with it in the context of tourism areas. Finally, (alternative) local tourism development projects will be discussed from a degrowth perspective during field visits.

Description

Development models based on the idea of growth have reached their limits from an environmental, social and human perspective. Moreover, the ideology according to which economic growth and technical progress are the only remedy for the various socio-ecological crises ignores the fact that six of the nine planetary limits (Rockstrom et al., 2009) are now outdated.

Facing these issues, the degrowth paradigm offers a radical critique of productivism and developmentalism (while proposing an alternative societal project that responds to the current ecological and social crisis. Mass tourism, linked to the growth of the capitalist economy, leads to the consumption of natural and societal resources and contributes to the overstepping of planetary limits. Therefore, tourism as "an engine of development and growth" (Sekulova, 2020) is a relevant entry point for thinking about and analysing this dual intention of the degrowth project.

The Summer School firstly plans to reflect on the concept of degrowth, within its critical and analytical scope. Then we will question the variations and challenges that come with it in the context of tourism areas. Finally, (alternative) local tourism development projects will be discussed from a degrowth perspective during field visits.

This course will take place from the 26th to the 30th of June at the Sion campus of the University of Lausanne, Switzerland.

This summer school will be of particular interest to PhD and Master students or young researchers willing to discover, understand and discuss more about degrowth and tourism. It can also be attended by more experienced researchers or tourism professionals.

Submission guidelines

The deadline for applications is May 15th, 2023 

A CV together with a motivation letter is mandatory to subscribe to the course. Students interested in participating have to explain why this course is relevant to their research

Fees

CHF 300.- 

Registration fees include:

• Tuition fees
• Lunches
• Coffee breaks
• 2 dinners
• Fieldtrip

Please note that accommodation is not covered by the fees.

Scolarship

The Solidarity Scholarships aim at supporting students who would not be able to cover summer schools’ costs in full. The selected candidates will see their tuition fees as well as their travel, accommodation and meals costs covered. Depending on each candidate’s situation, a financial support may be added to partially cover other expenses during the stay. The deadline for applications is March 22nd, 2023.

To be eligible, candidates must:

•     Be currently enrolled in a higher education institution located in an ODA recipient country ;
•     Have successfully applied to the school they wish to attend;
•     Be able to attend the entire school;
•     Require external financial support to be able to attend the school;
•     Have obtained excellent academic results;
•     Be covered by health insurance for the duration of the school.

Candidates who wish to apply for the Solidarity Scholarship must first sign up for one of the summer schools. Once accepted, candidates will receive the link to the online form to apply for the scholarship. Along with personal and academic information, the following documents will be requested (to be submitted in French or English):

•     Full curriculum vitae;
•     Motivation letter, with connections between the summer school and your academic goals as well as information regarding the necessity of a financial support;
•     Proof of residency (such as a copy of your lease, an official invoice with your address indicated or other official documents) ;
•     Copy of university degree certificate with final grade(s);
•     Proof of current enrolment in a higher education institution;
•     English certificate (if needed);
•     Letter of support from an academic.

Organizing Team

• Prof. Christophe Clivaz, FGSE, IGD UNIL
• Dr Anouk Bonnemains, FGSE, IGD UNIL
• Dr Caterina Franco, FGSE, IGD UNIL
• Dr Morgane Müller-Roux, FGSE, IGD UNIL
• PhD student, Géraldine Overney, FGSE, IGD UNIL

Speakers

• Dr Robert Fletcher , Sociology of Development and Change group, Wageningen University in the Netherlands
• Dr Valérian Geffroy, FGSE, IGD, UNIL
• Dr Carine Pachoud , Labex ITTEM, Université Grenoble-Alpes
• Prof. Julia Steinberger, FGSE, IGD, UNIL
• Dr Prosper Wanner , CESSM/A, Université Paris-Nanterre