Sustainable Consumption Behaviour and Common Goods: Education, Culture, Rule of Law, Work, and Solidarity

It is increasingly imperative to foster consumption behaviours that are more environmentally responsible. In order to design impact and sustainable actions that promote a transition to a more sustainable society, it is crucial to understand the underlying motivators that drive this change. Within this framework, this study sought to demonstrate how the comprehensive experience of common goods (solidarity, work, rule of law, culture, and education) is linked to such consumption behaviours. In order to test this hypothesis, a hypothetical-deductive quantitative approach was utilised, employing the second-generation statistical technique of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The results revealed that only the common good of Solidarity exhibits a significant relationship with Sustainable Consumption Behaviour. Additionally, Work and Education as common goods demonstrate a relationship of relative importance with this behaviour. Additionally, relationships were found between the common good, showcasing the interconnectedness rooted in cultural norms that strengthen individuals' experiences and, thus, cultivate a sense of community - an essential component for promoting consciousness and modifying behaviours. The novelty of this work is that it was not only focused on governing the commons, but also on how they are distributed and maintained for the long term. The theoretical basis was that natural resources are finite goods to which everyone should have access; however, not everyone enjoys them. That is why a limitation in agency impedes the experience of common goods and, therefore, in sustainable consumption. This study demonstrated that prioritising the welfare of others in addition to oneself, known as altruism, enhances the satisfaction derived from selfless consumption. The implications of this research include the development of instructional interventions incorporating motivational aspects to encourage sustainable consumption practices, ultimately supporting the shift necessary for the well-being of future generations.