01700nas a2200121   4500008004100000245011300041210006900154260001200223520122900235100002101464700002401485856006901509       2014                        eng d00aSystem representations of degrowth and sustainable consumption arguments for telling more empowering stories0 aSystem representations of degrowth and sustainable consumption a  aLeipzig3 aThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on the process and results of construction of system representations of several respected and widely discussed arguments on sustainable consumption and degrowth, thereby providing new inputs into the debate on societal and economic alternatives and their practical and political implementation. We constructed system representations using analytical tools of system dynamics, and for visualisation purposes causal loop diagrams and stock-and-flow diagrams. We found that attempting this translation opens new avenues of inquiry of the original proposals (e.g. on underlying ontological assumptions, internal system dynamics, contradictions or intervention points), while leading to formulation of powerful stories. In the process we also addressed the question of what makes a story empowering, and the ways through which system representations do indeed tell stories. Through reflecting on our positions as academics, boundary drawers, process owners, storytellers and strategic interveners we came to formulate some directions and principles for possible conceptualisations of the construction and use of system representations for the purpose of achieving societal transformations.1 aSedlacko, Michal1 aRøpke, Prof., Inge  uhttps://degrowth.community/conference2014/scientific-papers/3419