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The Influence of Social Embeddedness on Pro-Environmental Behavior of Community Residents in Giant Panda National Park

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  • Dandan Zhang

    (School of History and Culture (Tourism), Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Xingju Shen

    (School of History and Culture (Tourism), Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Wei Chen

    (School of Management, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China)

Abstract

This study is based on the theory of social embedding and selects the entrance community of Baoping County in the Giant Panda National Park as a case to explore the five core dimensions of cognitive embedding, relational embedding, structural embedding, institutional embedding, and cultural embedding and their mechanisms of influence on pro-environmental behaviors (mainly the five dimensions discussed). The study constructs a “stimulus—organism—response” (S-O-R) model, introduces two mediating variables, tourism impact perception and place attachment, and conducts empirical analysis based on 326 valid questionnaire responses using structural equation modeling. The results show that all dimensions of social embedding have a significant positive impact on pro-environmental behaviors, but the mechanisms and transmission paths vary. Each dimension indirectly influences pro-environmental behaviors through the chain path of “tourism impact perception → place attachment.” The study reveals the key role of social relationship networks, tourism perception, and emotional belonging in stimulating environmental behaviors and emphasizes the need to systemically enhance residents’ ecological responsibility awareness and action willingness through community co-construction, optimization of tourism benefits, and cultural atmosphere creation.

Suggested Citation

  • Dandan Zhang & Xingju Shen & Wei Chen, 2025. "The Influence of Social Embeddedness on Pro-Environmental Behavior of Community Residents in Giant Panda National Park," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:9:p:1844-:d:1746247
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    References listed on IDEAS

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