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 argues that work behavior is also important and explores how and why personal consumption of the voluntary simplifiers relates to the way they work. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative study employs the in-depth interviews to explore the consumption-work experience and driving values of the voluntary simplifiers. Thailand is a 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.