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Hemmati, M. 2000. Gender-Specific Patterns of Poverty and (Over-)Consumption in Developing and Developed Countries. In: E. Jochem, J. Sathaye & Daniel Biulle (eds.). Society, Behaviour, and Climate Change Mitigation. Proceedings of IPCC Expert Group Meeting on Social Scientific Approaches to Climate Change Mitigation. 169-190. Klewer Publications
1. Introduction Much as other psychological, social and cultural aspects of consumer behaviour have not been the focus of approaches taken to address climate change, gender issues have rarely been addressed as part of the discussions. Human behaviour cannot be sufficiently understood on the basis of a purely rational or technology-oriented analysis of ‘external’ conditions such as available economic and natural resources and the related choices and barriers. Behavioural patterns are the result of complex interactions of ‘internal’ and ‘external’ conditions; of cognitive and emotional factors; perceptions; evaluations; social pressures; cultural images; physical environments and economic conditions. People’s choices are based on needs of immediate survival as well as inspired by the need for social acceptance and images of desired identities. In its study of approaches on consumption, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) pointed out, ‘the discussion of ‘consumption patterns’ has tended to remain at a relatively superficial level because it is difficult to piece together in a comprehensive framework all the influences that shape what and how societies consume.’ The report goes on to say: ‘developing effective and efficient policies to encourage behaviour change requires a better understanding of the various facets of consumption patterns and their environmental impacts, in order to pinpoint; (1) where consumption patterns are susceptible to change (2) where in the product lifecycle is the best point, or points for intervention (3) which actors in the network, including government, are likely to be the most effective agents of change.’ Consumption is an inevitable part of our lives but what and how we consume is socially constructed, the more so the more consumption choices we have. All production of what we consume requires energy inputs, which is mostly produced by burning fossil fuels for electricity generation or transport. Energy consumption is one of the major causes of green house gas emissions, hence reducing energy consumption would enable us to reduce green house gas emissions. Therefore, understanding consumption behaviour and developing strategies to influence it is one of the building blocks of climate change mitigation. This paper aims to discuss gender as a social category and an important determinant of human behaviour. The paper focuses on consumption behaviour of women and men in several areas, mostly guided by what is relevant to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions but also by what research is available. It is crucial to understand that gender is an important social category, influencing almost every aspect of people’s lives. As Costa (1994, viii) points out, ‘because gender is pervasive, intricate and interwoven with virtually all aspects of human behaviour, further study is necessary if we are to understand more fully this important dimension of society and individual behaviour’. However, gender is certainly not the only social category impacting on thinking, feeling and behaviour of people, social structures and power relations. Other social categories such as age, income level, class, ethnic group membership, religion, etc. are also powerful determinants of people’s roles and identities. ‘A gender perspective helps redefine the public from one amorphous blob of humanity with average needs, to publics with diverse experiences, needs and aspirations’ (Figueroa 1998). Gender as a crosscutting issue adds value to considering mitigation assessment. An integration of gender provides a structural dimension, as gender equality is key to any paradigm for sustainable development. As Charkiewicz (1998, p3) points out, ‘the attention to gender differences in project and policy formulation improves the effectiveness, equity and sustainable outcomes of development. Gender equality has become an intrinsic, normative goal of sustainable development and practically every chapter of Agenda 21 acknowledges the contribution of women to sustainable development.’ (1) ____________________________________________________________ (1) For an overview of international agreements on women & sustainable development issues which came out of the cycle of U.N. Summits and Conferences in the 1990s, see Hemmati et al., 2000. |
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Copyright © Minu Hemmati, 2006 |
