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“Lifestyle Leapfrogging” in Emerging Economies: Enabling Systemic Shifts to Sustainable Consumption

Author

Listed:
  • Patrick Schroeder

    (University of Sussex
    Collaborating Center on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP))

  • Manisha Anantharaman

    (Saint Mary’s College of California)

Abstract

This paper combines the concept of leapfrogging with systems-thinking approaches to outline the potentials for and barriers to enabling systemic shifts to strong sustainable consumption in the emerging economies of China and India. New urban consumers in China and India have the potential to “lifestyle leapfrog” the high impact lifestyle models of the industrialized countries while simultaneously improving their quality of life. This paper argues that by implementing systemic approaches in the consumption domains of mobility and housing, the historical trajectory of high environmental footprints of mobility and housing can be avoided. The analysis based on systems-thinking principles identifies existing barriers and possible solutions. The importance of policies for strong sustainable consumption is highlighted to induce positive feedbacks in the areas of markets and society facilitating both efficient technology uptake and behavioural changes.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Schroeder & Manisha Anantharaman, 2017. "“Lifestyle Leapfrogging” in Emerging Economies: Enabling Systemic Shifts to Sustainable Consumption," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 40(1), pages 3-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jcopol:v:40:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s10603-016-9339-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10603-016-9339-3
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    3. Elizabeth Kempen & Rejoice Tobias-Mamina & Mariette Strydom & Lorna Christie & Lorna Christie, 2023. "Female Consumers’ Involvement in Intentional Non-Sustainable and Unintentional Sustainable Apparel Decisions: An Emerging Market Perspective," Journal of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour in Emerging Markets, University of Warsaw, Faculty of Management, vol. 1(16), pages 1-21.
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    6. Leticia Sarmento dos Muchangos, 2022. "Mapping the Circular Economy Concept and the Global South," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.

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