Sustainability, lifestyles, and consumption from a gender perspective

Responsible production and consumption, Goal 12 of the 2030 Agenda, has been identified as one of the areas where the Nordic countries face the biggest challenges in their sustainable development work. The area was therefore the focus of the project Sustainability, Lifestyles and Consumption with a Gender Perspective, part of the programme Sustainable Lifestyles in the Nordic countries. The project was implemented by NIKK on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Gender Equality.

The project looked into differences in women’s and men’s lifestyles and consumption habits in the Nordic countries and resulted in a Nordic knowledge review concerning sustainability, lifestyles and consumption from a gender perspective. The report entitled Climate, gender and consumption – an overview of research with a gender perspective on sustainable lifestyles, summarised the current state of international research in seven different areas: Food, Housing and energy, Clothing and consumer goods, Transport, Work and time use, Culture and tourism, and Activism and influence.

It showed that attitudes and behaviours are influenced by norms and ideals that relate to care and technology, and these areas are often associated with femininity and masculinity, respectively. All in all leading to a greater or lesser impact on the climate. Among other things, the report shows that a caring ideal can be an important key in the green transition. 

NIKK has also communicated the results through a seminar in Copenhagen and an inter-ministry seminar in Oslo, as well as a number of digital presentations to national authorities and stakeholders.