Exploring the political-institutional perspective of sustainable consumer behavior within the circular economy: a structural equation modeling approach from nudge theory

Gennaro Maione, Stefania Supino, Mara Grimaldi and Orlando Troisi

Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 2025, vol. 100, issue C

Abstract: Employing a structural equation modeling approach, 548 university students were surveyed to examine the influence of nudge-based strategies and political-institutional support on sustainable consumer behavior within the context of the Circular Economy. The findings reveal that subtle modifications in choice architecture can positively shift consumer attitudes toward sustainability and that heightened sustainability perception increases the intention to buy eco-friendly products. However, an intention-behavior gap emerged, suggesting potential barriers such as infrastructural limitations, financial constraints, and habitual behaviors. The research also underscores the crucial role of institutional support and public policies in facilitating sustainable consumer actions. The study concludes that integrating nudge-based strategies with robust political-institutional support can effectively promote sustainable consumption behaviors, thereby advancing environmental conservation and sustainable economic development within the circular economy framework.

Keywords: Circular economy (CE); Sustainable consumer behavior; Nudge theory; Political-institutional support; Public policy; Intention-behavior gap; Structural equation model (SEM) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D11 D12 M38 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:soceps:v:100:y:2025:i:c:s003801212500103x

DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2025.102254

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