2021 (18), №2

Quality of Life in the Circular Consumption Model

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31063/2073-6517/2021.18-2.6

For citation: 

Belkin, V. N., Belkina, N. A., & Antonova, O. A. (2021). Quality of Life in the Circular Consumption Model. Zhurnal Economicheskoj Teorii [Russian Journal of Economic Theory], 18(2), 239-253. https://doi.org/10.31063/2073-6517/2021.18-2.6

Abstract:

The article focuses on the quality of life in the circular consumption model. Acute environmental problems facing the humanity today create the need for a consumption model capable of reducing the risks of environmental pollution. The study uses Russian and international statistical data to characterize the linear consumption model and show how this model leads to the deterioration in the quality of life. This research, therefore, proposes a transition from the linear consumption model to the circular one where the population plays an important role as both a consumer and user of the goods produced. The focus is made on studying the satisfaction of people’s personal needs. The characteristics of the quality of life in the linear and circular consumption models are compared. The institutional levels of the quality of life (e.g. public organizations, individuals, municipal enterprises, and so on) in the circular consumption model are considered. The study also identifies the key components constituting the quality of life in the circular consumption model and affecting the satisfaction of people’s individual needs. The paper puts forward the hypothesis that taking into account the increment of knowledge on the formation of the quality of life in the circular consumption model will improve the population’s well-being. The significance of this study lies in the development of approaches to studying the quality of life in the circular consumption model. Possible avenues for future research are also outlined.

Vladimir N. Belkin — Doctor of Economics, Professor, Chief Researcher, Chelyabinsk Branch of the Institute of Economics of the Ural Branch of RAS (Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation; e-mail: akademiya28@bk.ru).

Nadezhda A. Belkina — Doctor of Economics, Associate Professor, Leading Research Associate, Chelyabinsk Branch of the Institute of Economics of the Ural Branch of RAS (Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation; e-mail: akademiya28@bk.ru).

Olga A. Antonova — PhD in Economics, Senior Researcher, Chelyabinsk Branch of the Institute of Economics of the Ural Branch of RAS; Associate Professor, Department of State and Municipal Management, Chelyabinsk State University (Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation; e-mail: akademiya28@bk.ru).