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The path to a sustainable economy: sustainable consumption, social identity and ecological citizenship

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  • Quentin Duroy

Abstract

Green economists have argued for years about the need to develop sustainable economies. Given the central focus on consumption activity in post-industrial economies, a change in attitude towards 'sustainable consumption' will be needed in order for societies to engage on a sustainability path. Among three approaches to sustainable consumption, it is argued here that only the ecological citizenship approach is truly compatible with sustainability; however, it is also the approach that requires the most profound socio-cultural changes. Based on a critical realist notion of a relational society, this paper contends that significant changes may be needed to socio-cultural structures that currently legitimise consumption growth as an engine of progress. Because the goal of a sustainable economy is to improve and maintain human well-being, policies and institutions seeking to foster pro-sustainable behaviour, such as an ecological citizenship curriculum in education, may be necessary to avoid future environmental, economic and cultural crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Quentin Duroy, 2011. "The path to a sustainable economy: sustainable consumption, social identity and ecological citizenship," International Journal of Green Economics, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 5(1), pages 1-14.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijgrec:v:5:y:2011:i:1:p:1-14
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