Why do residents accept a demanding rule?: Fairness and social benefit as determinants of approval of a recycling system^1,2

Abstract

This study examined why people accepted a demanding rule in a recycling system that was newly introduced in Nagoya City. We focused on two social psychological topics: social dilemmas and fairness. While the new system succeeded in reducing waste, it imposed a burden on citizens without providing incentives and sanctions. In a research survey, 1442 responses from a sample of 3000 (48% response rate) were obtained using a stratified sampling method. The results showed that the new recycling system was approved despite the demands placed on citizens, with a preference for more strict rules such as penalties and surveillance for noncompliance. The main determinants of approval of the new recycling system were social benefit and procedural fairness, whereas the main determinant of preference for strict rules was outcome fairness. We argue that (a) social benefit should be emphasized to facilitate cooperative behavior in a social dilemma situation and (b) the government should ensure sufficient discussion with citizens and acknowledgment of their opinions.

A Systematic Literature Review of Concepts and Factors Related to Pro-Environmental Consumer Behaviour in Relation to Waste Management Through an Interdisciplinary Approach

“…In this sense, the role and the conditions in which the waste management company and the local institutions operate, represent an enabling factor. For example, the shift towards a more pro-environmental behaviour is fostered by maintaining a continuous presence on the ground (in order to continuously support the correct application of waste management measures), encouraging an open communication between providers and users, rewarding virtuous behaviours [247], and ensuring the respect of the procedures (including a punctual system of sanctions) [248].…”

Comparison of waste prevention behaviors among three Japanese megacity regions in the context of local measures and socio-demographics

“…A large number of studies have focused on psychological and socio-demographic factors to determine recycling behaviors (Oskamp et al, 1991;Gamba and Oskamp, 1994;Hornik et al, 1995;Schultz et al, 1995;Owens et al, 2000;Davies et al, 2002;Knussen et al, 2004;Vicente and Reis, 2008), particularly Japanese recycling behaviors (Nonami et al, 1997;Ohnuma et al, 2005). However, studies on WPBs are very limited.…”

Student pro-sociality: Measuring institutional and individual factors that predict pro-social behaviour at university

“…Many other socially responsible behaviours can also be considered social dilemmas -e.g. recycling (Ohnuma et al 2005) -and students are faced with similar dichotomies when deciding how to behave at university (Abele et al 2010). Acting pro-socially can be thought of as the Bcooperative^option in a social dilemma, as this seeks to optimise payoffs for all concerned.…”