Impact of basic public service level on pro-environmental behavior in China

Abstract

Most environmental problems are rooted in human behavior, and can be influenced by pro-environmental behavior (PEB). Therefore, on the basis of previous studies, the authors propose a theoretical framework that considers individual and contextual factors to hierarchically analyze PEB. Considering practical conditions, the authors regard basic public service as an independent variable on the contextual level in the study. The impacts of the contextual level on the individual level and PEB are also systematically and comprehensively studied. Data from the 2013 Chinese General Social Survey and the 2014 China Statistical Yearbook are analyzed, and a hierarchical linear model is adopted to test the proposed multi-level theoretical framework. Results show that basic public service is an important factor influencing PEB. Basic public service consists of three areas. Of these areas, basic education and life security exert a significant promotional effect on PEB. Furthermore, basic public service also can moderate the relationship between individual factors and PEB. The multi-level theoretical framework provides a systematic perspective for further research into PEB. The findings also offer researchers a beneficial reference for analyzing behavioral change. Several suggestions are proposed for policymakers to bring about effective change in PEB.