Influences of social norms on climate change-related behaviors. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cialdini, Robert B; Jacobson, Ryan P
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in behavioral sciences. Volume 42(2021)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2021.01.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-1546

Abstract

Highlights: Social norm represents an important interdisciplinary behavioral science concept. Social norms influence a variety of climate change-related behaviors. Influences of social norms may be leveraged to mitigate climate change. Abstract : Social norm represents one of the most interdisciplinary and important concepts in the behavioral sciences. We reviewed recent research examining the effects of social norms on climate change-related behaviors, identifying relevant evidence in five behavioral domains: eco-friendly consumer choices, energy conservation, reduction/re-use/recycling, sustainable food choices, and water conservation. We discuss this research as it pertains to a set of theoretically important questions that emerged as themes across these studies and discuss various future research directions as they relate to each theme. Overall, the recent evidence is quite robust in demonstrating influential effects of social norms on an array of behaviors relevant to climate change.