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Social norms, morals and self-interest as determinants of pro-environment behaviour

Author

Listed:
  • Mikołaj Czajkowski

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw)

  • Nick Hanley

    (School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews)

  • Karine Nyborg

    (Department of Economics, University of Oslo)

Abstract

This paper considers the role which selfish, moral and social incentives and pressures play in explaining the extent to which stated choices over pro-environment behaviours vary across individuals. The empirical context is choices over household waste contracts and recycling actions in Poland. A theoretical model is used to show how cost-based motives and the desire for a positive self- and social image combine to determine the utility from alternative choices of recycling behaviour. We then describe a discrete choice experiment designed to empirically investigate the effects such drivers have on stated choices. Using a latent class model, we distinguish three types of individual who are described as duty-orientated recyclers, budget recyclers and homo oeconomicus. These groups vary in their preferences for how frequently waste is collected, and the number of categories into which household waste must be recycled. Our results have implications for the design of future policies aimed at improving participation in recycling schemes.

Suggested Citation

  • Mikołaj Czajkowski & Nick Hanley & Karine Nyborg, 2014. "Social norms, morals and self-interest as determinants of pro-environment behaviour," Working Papers 2014-17, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw.
    • Handle: RePEc:war:wpaper:2014-17
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    File URL: http://www.wne.uw.edu.pl/inf/wyd/WP/WNE_WP134.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    recycling; motives of pro-environment behaviour; social norms; discrete choice experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles

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