Like parent, like child: Intergenerational transmission of energy consumption practices in Denmark

Anders Rhiger Hansen*, Mette Hove Jacobsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this article, we investigate the intergenerational transmission of sustainable consumption practices. Whereas previous studies have used self-reported attitudes and behaviour, this study uses data on actual energy consumption for space-heating and hot water combined with extensive panel data from Danish administrative registers. The paper shows significant intergenerational correlations between the energy consumption patterns of adults and their mothers, also when controlling for the energy consumption of the mother-in-law, where possible. Furthermore, it shows that the intergenerational correlation is slightly stronger for adults with lower income levels. These results suggest that energy consumption practices are shared and reproduced within the family. Following theories of practice, the intergenerational similarities in energy consumption practices refer to bodily learned practices that are indirectly transmitted and negotiated through family relations. In this way, these findings also contribute to a better understanding of how practical understanding regarding how to perform practices is transmitted within more ordinary aspects of consumption that play a less obvious role in distinction. To ensure more sustainable consumption practices in the future, this paper points to the importance of the role of family relations and the transmission of embodied practices.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101341
JournalEnergy Research and Social Science
Volume61
Issue numberMarch
Number of pages10
ISSN2214-6296
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2020

Keywords

  • Cultural reproduction
  • Energy consumption
  • Family relations
  • Intergenerational transmission
  • Practice theory
  • Sustainable consumption

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