Zhang, Wanhao; (2025) Cooling Conflicts: Intergenerational Negotiations of Air Conditioning Use in Chinese Families. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This study delves into the intergenerational dynamics of air conditioning (AC) use in urban Chinese households, focusing on how cultural values, material conditions, and social interactions shape energy practices. Using Shenzhen as a case study—a city emblematic of China’s rapid urbanization and socio-economic transitions—this research adopts a qualitative approach grounded in social practice theory, enriched by an emphasis on interactions to explore the interplay between culture in practice and culture in interactions. Semi-structured interviews and participant observations were conducted across multi-generational families, allowing for a nuanced understanding of household cooling practices. Findings reveal that Confucian values, particularly filial piety, hierarchical respect, and notions of family duty, deeply inform intergenerational negotiations around AC use. Older generations, influenced by historical periods of economic scarcity, emphasize sufficiency, moderation, and frugality in cooling practices. Younger generations, shaped by urbanization and modern lifestyles, prioritize comfort, efficiency, and productivity, integrating AC into their daily lives as a necessity rather than a luxury. These divergent values are actively negotiated within families, where cultural norms both constrain and facilitate compromises, leading to hybridized practices that blend traditional values with modern needs. This research highlights the critical role of intergenerational interactions in shaping sustainable energy practices, offering insights into the socio-cultural mechanisms underpinning energy consumption in rapidly urbanizing societies. By situating the findings within broader theoretical and practical contexts, this study demonstrates the relevance of its conclusions not only for other Chinese urban centres like Shanghai and Guangzhou, but also for culturally analogous regions in Southeast Asia. The integration of cultural and relational dimensions into social practice theory provides a robust framework for understanding sustainability transitions in culturally diverse contexts, offering actionable insights for policymakers aiming to design culturally resonant energy interventions.

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