Blog ‘Frugality as a virtue in the Global South’

"Frugality as a virtue has often been subject to ahistorical narratives and is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of many societies worldwide. This concept, often overlooked in Western-focused discussions, deserves further attention, especially within cultural perspectives outside of well-known philosophies like Buddhism. Our focus aims to showcase the philosophical richness of diverse worldviews, whose salience may not be fully appreciated. While acknowledging the complexity of various cultures, perspectives such as Ubuntu, Harambee, and Buen Vivir (to name a few) emphasize interconnectedness, community, and prioritizing collective well-being over individual excess.

Launching a blog series on frugality as a virtue aims to spotlight these values, their alignment with sustainable practices, and touch on other questions linked to the legitimacy of frugal innovation. By incorporating indigenous perspectives and cultural narratives alongside other global viewpoints, this initiative seeks to bridge academic insights with public understanding, inspiring a more inclusive and nuanced dialogue on frugality and sustainability. The series aims to critically examine these concepts, exploring their potential contributions to global sustainability challenges while also addressing how some have been co-opted politically, as in the cases of Ubuntu or Buen Vivir."