Does Social Practice Theory Explain Energy Use in All Contexts? An Overview

Intensified globalization, rapid growth of capitalism, and expanding consumption have changed the nature of global development. Due to globalization, social practices and the use of energy have also changed. The average size of homes and the prevalence of multiple-home ownership have both increased dramatically in many nations. As a result, a great deal of energy is needed to sustain this occurrence. Comprehending the progressive stages of home consumption is a multifaceted challenge. The act of consumption is influenced by a multitude of elements pertaining to the production of goods, our lifestyle and occupation, our dietary habits, and modes of transportation. The growing acceptance of theories of practice within consumption research renders them very applicable for comprehending the changes in consumption patterns and the emergence of new middle classes. Sociologists attempted to explain the variations in practices that occurred between different social groups in a particular society at a particular time. They hypothesized that consumers seek to obtain goods or adopt practices that match their expectations, especially their values. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the comprehensive study on social practices and energy use. This study contributes to understanding the comparison between the uses of energy and the practices of society, how people are used to social practices, and how they can use energy. The establishment of a harmonious relationship between state capitalism and energy democracy holds significant importance in addressing both global economic imbalances and the issue of global warming. The variety of comfort assumptions is influenced by the broad range of everyday actions that occur inside the household context. The notion of remote work has the potential to generate substantial energy and emissions reductions. It is often the subject of favorable discourse in scientific and industrial literature pertaining to economic sustainability. Scholars have pushed for an enhanced understanding of gender-related concerns and the intersectional dynamics within household energy consumption patterns, with the aim of promoting both equity and sustainability. The significant shifts in consumption patterns observed in various nations over recent decades serve as a compelling subject for examining the influence of political-economic background on consumer buying habits.