Sufficiency, consumption patterns and limits: a survey of French households

How can the concept of consumption corridors be operationalised? This research provides socio-demographic knowledge of the setting of the upper limit. Four distinct ‘modes of consumption’ are identified, based on material consumption levels and openness to consumption limits. A survey of French households (n = 2452) reveals people are generally reluctant to accept strict consumption caps, especially binding ones. Both high and low material consumption groups strongly oppose consumption limits, suggesting that wealth does not correlate with a sense of having ‘enough’. Individuals with fewer possessions support the idea of limits to consumption, though not outright bans. Despite the cultural value placed on limitless consumption and political aversion to restrictions, actual consumption modes are inherently limited. Individuals operate within certain boundaries, whether or not acknowledged. Since perceptions of ‘enough’ are shaped by economic, social and technical contexts, urban settings and buildings could play a critical role in establishing these de facto limits. By facilitating frugal-yet-comfortable lifestyles, cities and buildings could help to restrain consumption without invoking a sense of deprivation. This approach suggests a pathway for fostering sustainable consumption corridors that feel normal rather than imposed. Practice relevance This research identifies four main modes of consumption in relation to sufficiency in mainland France. It shows that what constitutes enough is socially and economically situated and is not an external reality that would mechanically satisfy consumption needs. It also shows a general reluctance of individuals towards setting limits to individual consumption levels. To the extent that urban planning and dwelling types are already important forces in the shaping of sustainable modes of consumption, cities and buildings may prove instrumental in providing the condition of de facto upper limits to consumption. By understanding consumption modes and their relationship with sufficiency, policymakers, urban planners and architects could implement the means to conduct frugal lifestyles that do not evoke feelings of deprivation.