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China-to-UK Student Migration and Pro-environmental Behaviour Change: A Social Practice Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Roger Tyers

    (University of Southampton, UK)

  • Tristan Berchoux

    (University of Southampton, UK)

  • Kun Xiang

    (University of Southampton, UK)

  • Xu Yi Yao

    (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China)

Abstract

Significant life-course changes can be ‘windows of opportunity’ to disrupt practices. Using qualitative focus group data, this article examines whether the life-course change experienced by Chinese students migrating to the UK has an effect on environmentally impactful practices. It does so by examining how such practices are understood and performed by Chinese and UK students living in their own countries, and contrasting them with those of Chinese students in the UK. Using a social practice framework, these findings suggest that practices do change, and this change can be conceptualised using a framework of competences, materials, and meanings. The findings show meanings – the cultural and social norms ascribed to pro-environmental behaviour – to be particularly susceptible to the influence of ‘communities of practice’ where immigrants and natives mix, with pro-environmental behaviour change resulting from assimilation and mimesis rather than normative engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Roger Tyers & Tristan Berchoux & Kun Xiang & Xu Yi Yao, 2019. "China-to-UK Student Migration and Pro-environmental Behaviour Change: A Social Practice Perspective," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 24(4), pages 575-597, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:24:y:2019:i:4:p:575-597
    DOI: 10.1177/1360780418794194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chenyang Xiao & Riley E. Dunlap & Dayong Hong, 2013. "The Nature and Bases of Environmental Concern among Chinese Citizens," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 94(3), pages 672-690, September.
    2. Cass, Noel & Faulconbridge, James, 2016. "Commuting practices: New insights into modal shift from theories of social practice," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 1-14.
    3. Inglehart, Ronald, 1971. "The Silent Revolution in Europe: Intergenerational Change in Post-Industrial Societies," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 65(4), pages 991-1017, December.
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