Joint Socioeconomic and Psychological Drivers of Pro-Environmental Behavior in China: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Integration

Abstract

Drawing upon earlier research findings on the connection between socioeconomic state and pro-environmental behaviour (PEB), this paper presents a systematic review of the socioeconomic and psychological factors related to PEB among Chinese residents and makes an overall proposal for a conceptual framework combining the two factors. With China undergoing serious environmental issues in the backdrop of rapid industrialization and urbanisation, the identification of PEB determinants plays an important role to advance sustainable behaviour at individual and social level. This review provides important indicators that income, education and regional variation are important socioeconomic factors which influence the environmental attitudes and behaviours of the individuals. It also determines the psychological stages of environmental concern, personal values, and perceived behavioural control that determine the decisions of people to be involved in the sustainable behaviours. Moreover, the aspect of government policies and social norms particularly in cities is examined as the motivational one to PEB in China.
The findings have revealed that there is a complicated interaction among economic, psychological and institutional/social aspects, which implies that a linear approach is needed to explain PEB. Though there have been numerous theories suggested including the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Social Exchange Theory (SET) they are not enough to understand the particular socio-cultural and political situation in China. The review proposes a conceptual model integrated where it encompasses these factors with the emphasis on the necessity of modifying the Western models to the Chinese setting.
The research offers theoretical knowledge regarding PEB and offers policy implications to practitioners who would want to achieve sustainable behaviour in China. The review discusses the gaps on the literature and provides the rationale leading to observation on the future studies as well as development of effective policies to promote the environmental sustainability in China.