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Publications [#267442] of Steven E. Sexton

Journal Articles

  1. Sexton, SE; Sexton, AL, Conspicuous conservation: The Prius halo and willingness to pay for environmental bona fides, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, vol. 67 no. 3 (January, 2014), pp. 303-317, Elsevier BV, ISSN 0095-0696 [doi]
    (last updated on 2023/07/05)

    Abstract:
    This paper develops a theory of conspicuous conservation, a phenomenon related to conspicuous consumption in which individuals seek status through displays of austerity amid growing concern about environmental protection. We identify a statistically and economically significant conspicuous conservation effect in vehicle purchase decisions and estimate a mean willingness to pay for the green signal provided by the distinctively designed Toyota Prius in the range of $430-4200 depending upon the owner's location. Results are related to the growing literature on green markets and suggest that policy should target less conspicuous conservation investments that will be under-provided relative to those that confer a status benefit. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.


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