DHM 4151: Sustainable Consumption
Week 4: Reading Report
* Do NOT change the format of this template. Keep the table, type fonts, spacing, and a page margin as they are.
** Unless permitted to directly quote, provide the answers with your own words . In other words, a simple copy and paste of the article text will result in the deduction of points .
Armstrong & Park (2017)
How would you define the concept of ‘voluntary simplicity’? Instead of a direct quote, I’d like you to explain this concept with your own words based on your understanding.
On page 81, the authors discuss that there are two directions people can take when practicing sustainable consumption. What are those two ways? In your opinion, which direction do you think might contribute to sustainability more meaningfully? (There is no right or wrong answer for this question.)
Through interviewing five informants, the authors identified the three levels of voluntary simplifiers: the beginners, the progressive, and the extensive. How are these three types of people different? (Do not simply summarize the authors’ descriptions of interviewees’ profiles. Rather, provide your interpretations of these three levels of voluntary simplifiers in terms of their lifestyles, work behavior, values, etc.)
The beginners:
The progressive:
The extensive:
The authors list several values that drive the behavior of voluntary simplifiers. Among those values, which value(s) most resonated with you? Why?
One of the key propositions that the authors claim is that voluntary simplicity is “beyond” low-material consumption and “extends” the conventional scope of sustainable consumption. What does this mean and what are the rationales behind this claim? Discuss it.
