Flexible Practice Theory (FPT): A Predictive Mid-Range Model of Adaptive Consumption

Understanding everyday consumption behavior is a central concern in sociology. The "value-behavior gap" shows that individuals often hold strong moral commitments (e.g., sustainability) yet their everyday actions contradict these beliefs. Flexible Practice Theory (FPT) is a mid-range mathematical model that explains this gap by illustrating how structural constraints compress human values. Version 3.0 Update: Introducing Culture (C) Earlier iterations of FPT modeled this gap using the equation: P = [(H × V) + I] / Cs, where Contextual Stress (Cs) acted as the sole denominator. However, this lacked applicability in multicultural environments governed by strict religious or traditional norms. Version 3.0 introduces a critical new variable—Culture (C). This working paper details how cultural boundaries mathematically act as either: An absolute internal veto (C = 0): Making the practice mathematically resolve to zero, regardless of stress or desire. External normative friction: Adding resistance to the denominator when society pushes back against a practice (e.g., cultural defiance). By tracking these variables, FPT accurately predicts four distinct behavioral modes: Loyal Mode, Survival Mode, Show-off Mode, and the newly introduced Culturally Constrained Mode.