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Towards systems-oriented behavioral ecological economics

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  • Drews, Stefan

Abstract

A growing volume of behavioral research in ecological economics has been published over the past two decades. Here I argue that a significant share of this research has adopted the approach of focusing on individual responsibility and solutions in sustainability transitions, notably in the form of so-called nudges. The paper proposes that to be consistent with the core tenets of ecological economics and to achieve more real-world impact, we need more behavioral research that takes a systems-oriented perspective. Several research lines in this direction are discussed. The systems-oriented approach may provide a distinction between behavioral ecological economics and behavioral environmental economics, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of these two fields.

Suggested Citation

  • Drews, Stefan, 2025. "Towards systems-oriented behavioral ecological economics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:227:y:2025:i:c:s0921800924002994
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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