Perceived Status and Sustainable Actions: How Subjective Socioeconomic Status Drives Green Energy Consumption in Chinese Households

Yi Ren, Linmei Zhuang () and Dingde Xu
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Yi Ren: School of Economics and Management, Sichuan Normal University, 1819 Chenglong Ave., Chengdu 610101, China
Linmei Zhuang: School of National Safety and Emergency Management, Beijing Normal University, 19 Xinjiekou Wai Ave., Beijing 100875, China
Dingde Xu: College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu 611130, China

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-20

Abstract: Household energy consumption plays a critical role in the context of global climate change. Utilizing data from the 2018 China Social Survey (CGSS), this study empirically examined the impact of subjective socioeconomic status (SES) on household green energy consumption behaviors using probit and ordered probit models. The mechanism of influence was further analyzed through the mediated effect approach. The results found include the following: (1) Although the proportion of households participating in green energy policies is similar to those not participating, the proportion of households deeply participating in multiple policies is very low; (2) subjective SES significantly influences both the rate and depth of household participation in green energy policies; (3) internet usage and understanding of green energy policies serve as mediating mechanisms for the promotive effect of subjective SES; and (4) subjective SES showed significant heterogeneity in its effects on different gender and education level groups. These findings contribute to the understanding of the drivers of household green energy use decisions and provide an important reference for governmental policymaking to enhance participation rates and degrees in green energy participation. Implications of these findings highlight the potential for targeted policies that address internet accessibility and educational outreach, which could significantly enhance the effectiveness of green energy initiatives across diverse socioeconomic groups.

Keywords: green energy; subjective socioeconomic status; internet use; policy cognition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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