Between Sustainability, Energy Practices and Class Dynamics: A Bourdieusian Analysis of Energy Consumption in Norway

This article studies the social stratification of energy practices, using Bourdieu’s model of social space and class. This is done through 37 interviews conducted in 2022–2023 during the energy crisis, in Oslo, Norway. Interviewees were recruited using an occupational-based class scheme. Based on the data, a bottom-up typology shows how aspects of lifestyle organize energy practices, evidenced by classed lifestyles and household demographics. A crude distinction between the upper and lower classes lies in the ability of the former to engage in a wider variety of practices and to highlight the symbolic value of their performances. For the lower classes, energy practices are not performed for distinction, but out of necessity. By revealing these differences, the article argues for the need for social practice theory to more extensively study the social stratification of energy practices.