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A practice-theory-based analysis of historical changes in household practices and energy demand: A case study from Japan

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  • Yamaguchi, Yohei

Abstract

This paper presents a review of historical changes in residential energy demand, everyday practices and related societal systems in Japan by using an analytical framework designed based on social theories of practice. The purpose was to understand the overall societal structure that determines energy demand and its trajectories. The review addressed mutual relationships between 1) everyday practices and societal systems that have shaped everyday practices, 2) those of life course practices, which are social activities performed by individuals over life time span, such as marriage, parenting and occupation, 3) everyday and life course practices, and 4) societal elements that have shaped everyday and life course practices. Thus, residential energy demand is an outcome of dynamics in the complex system constituted by these practices and respective societal systems. Dynamics in each element and the mutual relationships account for continuous changes in everyday practices and residential energy demand. Based on the overall structure and its trajectories, several energy management implications were derived. The framework also allows the welfare system to be designated as a key support of life course and everyday practices. This application shows that its ongoing transition has a significant impact on household practices and energy demand.

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  • Yamaguchi, Yohei, 2019. "A practice-theory-based analysis of historical changes in household practices and energy demand: A case study from Japan," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 207-218.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:145:y:2019:i:c:p:207-218
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2018.01.032
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    2. Lo Piano, S. & Smith, S.T., 2022. "Energy demand and its temporal flexibility: Approaches, criticalities and ways forward," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    3. Yamaguchi, Yohei & Chen, Chien-fei & Shimoda, Yoshiyuki & Yagita, Yoshie & Iwafune, Yumiko & Ishii, Hideo & Hayashi, Yasuhiro, 2020. "An integrated approach of estimating demand response flexibility of domestic laundry appliances based on household heterogeneity and activities," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).

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