Consumption, Sustainability and Everyday Life

Abstract

Unsustainable consumption patterns are among the world’s most wicked problems. In large part in response to the environmental unsustainabilities embedded in modern consumer societies, a large field of consumption research has developed over the past decades. This introductory chapter reviews the history and development of consumption research and situates the contributions in this book within the broader field. We start broadly, before zooming in on the ‘practice turn’ and on research engaging with consumption and sustainability. Following this, we outline the chapters of the book and conclude with some reflections on the possible future of consumption research, calling for a broader agenda for research on consumption and sustainability.

Understanding sustainable consumption experiences among the new middle class in an emerging market: A social cognitive approach

“…This finding emphasises the importance of exploring mundane behaviours for their sustainability implications in emerging markets as suggested by Kothari and Arnall (2019). Also, this study provides new evidence supporting knowledge on the sustainability implications of changing behaviours that are perceived as normal in emerging markets (e.g., Hansen & Nielsen, 2023;Hansen et al, 2016;Sahakian & Steinberger, 2011;Wilhite, 2008Wilhite, , 2009.…”

“…In pursuit of these self-benefits, consumers choose self-gratifying non-SCBs that replace their existing conventional SCBs. Authors argue that shifting consumer expectations of what makes for convenient and comfortable normal living contributes to the development of nonsustainable consumption patterns in the emerging markets (Hansen & Nielsen, 2023;Sahakian & Steinberger, 2011). Accordingly, the findings of this study indicate that self-gratifying non-SCBs will continue to grow as more consumers find conventional SCBs to be incongruent with their needs and desired self-benefits and choose to stop engaging in them.…”

Neuromarketing: a Tool to Understand Consumer Behaviour

“…Moreover, it is essential to emphasise the fact that traditional economic models have long held the view that the purchasing behaviour of consumers is mainly motivated by rational factors, and that individuals are primarily interested in pursuing their own self-interest (Cenizo, 2022). As a result, the evolution of humanity, in terms of economics, begins with the concept of 'Homo economicus', an entirely rational, knowledgeable and wise buyer, who makes good decisions in the long run (Hansen, Nielsen, 2023). While it is true that traditional economic models have long held that purchasing decisions are based mainly on rational factors and self-interest, some experts argue that purchasing decisions are more emotional than consumers tend to believe, and the idea that humans are always cognitive machines driven by rationality should be questioned (Lindstrom, 2010).…”

Towards plantification: contesting, negotiating and re-placing meaty routines

“…In theory, the imperative for reducingif not removing -meat consumption seems fairly straightforward, offering a possible 'win-win-win' situation; ensuring more sustainable food systems while also improving public health and animal welfare. Still, decades of research on the socio-economic, cultural and political configurations of consumption demonstrate the many factors that can make meaty routines stubborn (see, for example, Hansen and Nielsen, 2023).…”