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The role of gender and self-efficacy in domestic energy saving behaviors: A case study in Lombardy, Italy

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  • Rainisio, Nicola
  • Boffi, Marco
  • Pola, Linda
  • Inghilleri, Paolo
  • Sergi, Ilaria
  • Liberatori, Maura

Abstract

A deeper understanding of the domestic saving behaviors is crucial for improving Italian energy policies, as the country is still characterized by the dependence on foreign non-renewable sources and by an underestimation of psycho-social and behavioral factors. This research explores the relationship between gender, self-efficacy and energy saving behaviors at the household level in the Lombardy region, Italy. We investigated the characteristics of the well-documented gender gap in energy saving behaviors, to understand if virtuous habits by women are observed also in that context, how gender effects are related with different types of addressed behaviors and the role of self-efficacy in this process. Results suggest that gender effects are not uniformly spread across energy saving behaviors, but interrelated with the local and national culture, following specific patterns. Moreover, data show that domain-specific self-efficacy is gender-sensitive. The study indicates that promoting a gender perspective is a key factor when designing sustainability policies at individual, family, and community level. Moreover, it points to the need for specific strategies dedicated to the various domestic energy saving targets and behaviors, in general and in the Italian context.

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  • Rainisio, Nicola & Boffi, Marco & Pola, Linda & Inghilleri, Paolo & Sergi, Ilaria & Liberatori, Maura, 2022. "The role of gender and self-efficacy in domestic energy saving behaviors: A case study in Lombardy, Italy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:160:y:2022:i:c:s0301421521005619
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112696
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    2. Xinyuan Zhang & Emmanuel Nketiah & Victor Shi & Jinfu Cheng, 2023. "Who Will Save Energy? An Extension of Social Cognitive Theory with Place Attachment to Understand Residents’ Energy-Saving Behaviors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-21, December.
    3. Alettin Irmak & Nurlan Kurmanov & Onaikhan Zhadigerova & Zukhra Turdiyeva & Aigul Bakirbekova & Gaukhar Saimagambetova & Assilbek Baidakov & Aigul Mukhamejanova & Madina Tolysbayeva & Sagyngali Seitzh, 2023. "Shaping Energy-Saving Behavior in Education System: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 13(4), pages 46-60, July.
    4. Lee, Chien-Chiang & Wang, Chih-Wei & Ho, Shan-Ju, 2022. "The dimension of green economy: Culture viewpoint," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 122-138.

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