Expansion of social networks and household carbon emissions: Evidence from household survey in China. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meng, Weilu; Yuan, Gecheng; Sun, Yongping
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 174(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Household carbon emissions -- Expansion of social networks -- Comparison behavior; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2023.113460
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: As a factor influencing household consumption behavior, the expansion of social networks has an important impact on household carbon emissions (HCEs). Based on survey data from the China Family Panel Studies from 2014 to 2018, we explored the impacts of the expansion of social networks on HCEs and its mechanism. We further analyzed the heterogeneous effects of household income level and characteristics of household heads on HCEs, including age and education level. Our results show that the expansion of social networks can increase HCEs through enlarging consumption quantity and upgrading consumption structure, which is motivated by the comparison behavior based on status-seeking. In addition, the expansion of social networks has a bigger impact on HCEs when the head of household is younger, the head of household has a higher level of education, and the per capita income of the household is higher. These findings suggest that adjusting consumer behavior through the expansion of social networks, cultivating green consumption concepts, and promoting the consumption of low-carbon products may become important strategies to mitigate HCEs. Highlights: Expansion of social networks significantly affects household carbon emissions. Comparison behavior based on status-seeking is the motivation. Comparison behavior increases the household consumption quantity. Comparison behavior upgrades the household consumption structure. The impacts of the expansion of social networks are heterogeneous.