A Voluntary Simplicity Lifestyle: Values, Adoption, Practices and Effects

Jessica Osikominu, Nancy Bocken*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Adopting a voluntary simplicity lifestyle (VSL) contributes to a change in consumption patterns towards more sustainable ones, which is urgently needed. This study defines the VSL as a voluntary reduction of income and consumption in exchange for more free time. Our research aims to contribute with more detailed VSL criteria. A literature review develops initial VSL criteria, which are validated against and enriched by data gathered through in-depth interviews with nine voluntary simplicity practitioners. This study contributes with: (1) more detailed insights into the value changes during lifestyle adoption of a VSL, (2) a detailed perspective on significant aspects in VSL adoption as well as how they tend to happen in sequence, and (3) insight into how consumption reduces or changes and how free time is spent when adopting a VSL. A conceptual framework for more detailed VSL criteria, as proposed in this study, is valuable to characterise the VSL lifestyle and differentiate it from other lifestyles. In sum, the study contributes to clearer perspectives on the VSL and provides detailed VSL criteria. Finally, we reaffirm the potential of VSL to contribute toward changing dominant unsustainable consumption patterns and indicate directions for future research.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1903
Number of pages30
JournalSustainability
Volume12
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • voluntary simplicity lifestyle
  • simple living
  • sustainable lifestyles
  • sustainable consumption
  • sustainable practices
  • intrinsic values
  • behavioural change
  • Schwartz model of universal human values
  • SELECT PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
  • SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION
  • CONSUMER
  • MINDFULNESS

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