Policy Mechanisms for Sustainable Consumption in China: Historical and Sociological Perspectives

Abstract

Sustainable consumption is emerging as a vibrant international discourse and interdisciplinary research field. Both developed and developing countries need to pay attention to and understand this emerging research to enhance international dialogue and actively pursue international cooperation toward the goals of sustainable and green consumption. This paper focus specifically on the historical evolution of China’s sustainable consumption policies and their operational mechanisms. The policy mechanisms discussed here encompass two dimensions: From the policy design perspective, what drives governments to implement sustainable consumption policies? From the implementation perspective, what are the effects in terms of economic, environmental, and welfare outcomes? This paper aims to examine the opportunities and challenges sustainable consumption presents for China’s socioeconomic development, evaluate existing policies to some extent, and provide targeted policy recommendations. Using new energy vehicles as a case study, this paper assesses relevant sustainable consumption policies while proposing a consumer welfare policy perspective and policy suggestions.