Lifestyle, an integrative concept: Cross-disciplinary insights for low-carbon research

Lifestyle change is a fundamental component of transformative pathways to net-zero emissions. Despite the pervasive use of 'lifestyle' as a concept, there is lack of convergence on what constitutes lifestyle due to contrasting perspectives and approaches within and across disciplines. While there is a long tradition of lifestyle research in public health and in marketing, this does not currently inform low-carbon lifestyle research. We review a wide range of empirical and theoretical lifestyle studies using a directed thematic approach. Focusing on current knowledge within low-carbon lifestyles research, we draw insights from two contrasting research perspectives (health, marketing) to support and advance low-carbon research. We argue that 'lifestyle' is a unifying meta-concept comprised of three common integrating elements: behaviours, cognitions, and context. We find variation across research fields reflecting differing emphasis and differentiate integrative from domain-specific frameworks. Fragmented approaches in low-carbon research compartmentalise concepts within domains such that 'lifestyle' is aligned more closely in meaning to 'behaviour', accentuating inconsistencies. Lifestyle heterogeneity is characterised by clusters of cognitive and behavioural factors linked to broad social and material contexts. We identify drivers of lifestyle change, and argue lifestyle is not purely a matter of choice but shaped by contextual factors which lock-in unsustainable behaviours or facilitate sustainable behaviours. There are important implications for research and intervention. Lifestyle complexities demand a wider analytical lens incorporating cross-disciplinary datasets and integrative frameworks. Broadening cognitive and contextual dimensions would deepen understanding of lifestyle change. Comprehensive low-carbon lifestyle interventions should combine multiple strategies, at-risk groups, and opportunistic circumstance.This article is categorized under:Climate and Environment > Net Zero Planning and DecarbonizationHuman and Social Dimensions > Behavioral Science