Concise Introduction to Sustainable Consumption

Elgar Concise Introductions

John Thøgersen, Professor of Economic Psychology, Department of Management, Aarhus University, Denmark

Examining the psychological and social drivers of unsustainable and sustainable consumption, this Concise Introduction provides an insightful overview of the causes of unsustainable consumer behaviour and the instruments and interventions needed to create a sustainable consumption pattern.

‘This Concise Introduction brings together expertise from consumer psychology and behavioural economics and systematically reflects on the drivers of unsustainable as well as sustainable consumption. Thøgersen gives a comprehensive overview for an interdisciplinary readership. He starts with evidence regarding the unsustainability of current consumption patterns, discusses the most relevant psychological models to understand consumption, and then gradually widens the focus to the societal context of consumption and the structural changes needed for the promotion of sustainable consumption patterns.’
– Ellen Matthies, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Germany

‘This short volume synthesizes research on the environmentally significant behaviors of individual consumers, drawn largely from psychology and behavioral economics. It offers readers from outside these fields useful insights into what shapes these behaviors and how they might be changed by applying research-based knowledge.’
– Paul C. Stern, Social and Environmental Research Institute, US

‘Pressures on the planetary boundaries are caused by the types and levels of consumption in affluent societies. Based on 35 years’ research experience, Professor of Economic Psychology John Thøgersen has written an outstanding and scholarly book analysing antecedents, consequences, and countermeasures. The book should be read by everyone concerned about environmental issues.’
——汤米卡尔大学ersity of Gothenburg, Sweden