Modeling the Social Factors That Determine Sustainable Consumption Behavior in the Community of Madrid

Abstract

This paper defines the social factors that determine sustainable behavior and identifies the elements that promote such behavior. These factors are external from the individual and causal regarding sustainable behavior, an area that receives little attention in literature. It uses a theoretical model, based on existing research, which is tested through a questionnaire with 26 indicators adapted to the Spanish context. In an initial analysis, this model proposed, as determining social factors in the CCS, aspects such as government action, social pressure, influence of the social environment, demographic variables (age, gender, education level), education and information, and market conditions. Finally, it was concluded that 43.4% of the variance of the endogenous latent variable (SCC) can be explained only by three exogenous latent constructions: environmental influences (in particular the influence of family and friends, as well as that generated by cultural factors such as traditions), education and information (specifically related to information on sustainability and the effects of personal consumption on the environment), and market conditions (referring to the positive perception of sustainable products by consumers, including their willingness to pay higher prices than those of conventional products). The rest of the exogenous variables did not have a significant relationship with the endogenous variable. These results are very useful for government institutions, companies that operate in the sector and pro-environmental and pro-social groups, that knowing what motivates people to adopt this form of behavior can design relevant strategies to get positive answers about the environment, the economy and the society.

Nutrition Labeling Schemes and the Time and Effort of Consumer Processing

“…For example, since obese people eat more and are more likely to use cars than to walk, the obese population could increase the demand for food, fuel, etc. [1][2][3]44]. As of today, only Chile uses warning messages, but the results of this research suggest that more countries should use warning messages, which is consistent with previous findings [11][12][13][14].…”

Unfolding the Association between the Big Five, Frugality, E-Mavenism, and Sustainable Consumption Behavior

“…Frugality was measured using four items adapted from [48] which is cross-referenced from the study [27]. Sustainable Consumption Behavior was measured using three items adapted from [112], and two items adapted from [113]. All adjusted constructs measure with item details and their sources are shown in Appendix A.…”

“…was measured using three items adapted from [112], and two items adapted from [113] SCB2. How motivated do you feel to make changes in your lifestyle in search of more responsible consumption?…”

A Framework to Predict Consumption Sustainability Levels of Individuals

“…They found that the main factors that explain a sustainability behavior are ascription of responsibility, universal values and personal intelligence. In Spain, the most important social factors that determine sustainable consumption behavior of individuals were found to be: environmental influences (e.g., traditions), education, information, and market conditions [23].…”