Transitioning to a circular economy: A Gendersensitive exploration of circular consumption in Denmark and southern Sweden

Abstract

The dominant model of a resource-intensive linear economy has resulted in excessive production and consumption, leading to the depletion of natural resources and significant waste generation. Transitioning to a circular economy (CE) is crucial for achieving more sustainable production-consumption systems. However, the CE discourses have been dominated by technological and manufacturing solutions, with relatively less attention to developing circular consumption practices and establishing pathways for everyday participation. This article presents the findings of a Master's thesis that explored the gendered aspects of circular consumption and its challenges for individuals in Denmark and Southern Sweden. The research shows that a gendersensitive approach is necessary to address these challenges. However, designer practitioners encounter systemic barriers to integrating gender sensitivity in design processes and teams, including lacking involvement in user research, insufficient funding for gender-sensitive participant recruitment, or feeling intimidated to discuss gender in front of other team members and decision-makers.