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Spatial and relational peer effects on environmental behavioral imitation

Author

Listed:
  • Jianhua Zhang

    (University of Groningen)

  • Xiaolong Liu

    (University of Groningen)

  • Dimitris Ballas

    (University of Groningen)

Abstract

From a behavioral perspective, this study investigates the impacts of spatial and relational peer effects on shaping individual environmental behaviors. Utilizing microdata from 53,590 residents in the Netherlands, this study explores the spatial heterogeneity of environmental behaviors at the municipal level. Regression results reveal the existence of peer effects on environmental behavioral imitation among both spatially and relationally proximate peers. The roles of social interactions and observations in reinforcing peer effects are highlighted. A key contribution of this study is its inclusion of spatial dimension in understanding environmental behavioral imitation, taking into account both spatial and relational proximity.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianhua Zhang & Xiaolong Liu & Dimitris Ballas, 2023. "Spatial and relational peer effects on environmental behavioral imitation," Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, Springer;Society for Environmental Economics and Policy Studies - SEEPS, vol. 25(4), pages 575-599, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envpol:v:25:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s10018-023-00371-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10018-023-00371-3
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Peer effects; Environmental behavioral imitation; Proximity; Observational learning; Social interactions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General
    • R10 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General

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