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A local versus global descriptive social norm: A DCE applied to waste sorting behavior in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Author

Listed:
  • Lucie POINET

    (LEMNA - Laboratoire d'Economie et de Management de Nantes Atlantique)

  • Pierre-Alexandre MAHIEU

    (LEMNA - Laboratoire d'Economie et de Management de Nantes Atlantique)

Abstract

Previous literature has widely explored the influence of descriptive social norms on individualsÕ pro-environmental behavior. However, despite a growing interest in the subject, the role of geographical proximity of the reference group remains unclear. Our study seeks to fill this gap by investigating the impact of a descriptive social norm at two scales: local (neighborhood), and global (city). In this aim, we incorporate descriptive norms as attributes in a discrete choice survey. Our findings reveal that only the local social norm exerts a significant influence on organic waste sorting behavior, while the global social norm does not show a significant effect at conventional statistical levels. These results highlight the importance of considering the geographical proximity of the reference group when studying descriptive social norms. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucie POINET & Pierre-Alexandre MAHIEU, 2024. "A local versus global descriptive social norm: A DCE applied to waste sorting behavior in Phnom Penh, Cambodia," Working Papers 2024.09, FAERE - French Association of Environmental and Resource Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:fae:wpaper:2024.09
    as

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    File URL: https://faere.fr/pub/WorkingPapers/Poinet_Mahieu_FAERE_WP2024.09.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C99 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Other
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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