Adoption
A recurrent question when discussing sustainability and consumption is why do people report that they want to behave more sustainably but only a small fraction actually do it even when they are perfectly aware of the benefits of doing so?
This question assumes that people behave in a conscious and deliberate manner. However, research on sustainable consumption has shown that behavior is also habitual and based on routines. So, what defines such habits and routines?
For some time now, researchers in this field have explored the concept of social practices as an interesting framework to explores such contextual elements that may shape such type of behaviors.
This question assumes that people behave in a conscious and deliberate manner. However, research on sustainable consumption has shown that behavior is also habitual and based on routines. So, what defines such habits and routines?
For some time now, researchers in this field have explored the concept of social practices as an interesting framework to explores such contextual elements that may shape such type of behaviors.
A practiceit is an ensemble of human activities that depend on a set of materials, understandings, and meanings. Activities such as travelling, cooking, working, can all be considered practices. However, it is very hard to give a recipe of what is a practice and what is not. A starting point could be how widespread its among society.
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Practice as entityOne way of looking at practices is the elements that make it. Researchers have indicated that a practice is made of materials, capabilities, and rules.
Materials refer to the physical objects needed to perform the activity. Capabilities refer to the knowledge, understandings, and competencies required to perform the activity Meanings refer to the cultural, symbolic, and social significance the activitie has for its performers |
Practice as performancePractices are not static arrangements of materials, capabilities, and meanings. They are transformed through performance. People can bring in new materials, change rules, and give new meanings.
Travelling as a practice has evolved through time, means of transportation have changed, new skills are needed, and new meanings attached to such elements have been created. |
Recruiting and expellingA practice exists because people perform it, the more people the better. It makes the practice a norm. How can a practice become a norm?
1. People need to be exposed to the practice. 2. Practices have be in line with peoples abilities and capabilities 3. Practices need to fit everyday lives |