Exploring the Role of Environmental Awareness in Managing Sustainable Consumption Behaviors for Maternity Clothing

Abstract

As China relaxes its birth policies and Chinese women gain greater mental and economic independence, the market for maternity clothing has expanded significantly. This essential item for pregnant women now features a vast design space and a growing consumer market, drawing widespread attention. However, due to the ongoing changes in pregnant women’s body shapes and the requirement for many to keep working and socializing during early and mid-pregnancy, maternity clothing has a brief usage period and a quick turnover, contributing to unsustainable consumption habits. This research aims to explore the effect of environmental awareness on sustainable consumption behavior in maternity clothing. Using Grounded Theory, the study investigates sustainability issues in maternity clothing consumption, identifying the factors and stages that influence sustainable consumption behavior. It focuses on two main questions: research question 1: How can the sustainability of maternity clothing be enhanced to minimize unsustainable consumption? research question 2: What impact does environmental awareness have on sustainable consumption behavior in maternity clothing? Maternity clothing represents a unique segment in the fashion industry due to its short-term usage and specific functional requirements. Despite its temporary use, maternity clothing consumption can significantly contribute to environmental degradation due to unsustainable production practices, use of non-eco-friendly materials, and disposal issues. Current literature has extensively covered sustainability in general fashion but has relatively overlooked the specific context of maternity clothing. Addressing research question 1 helps fill this gap by focusing on targeted strategies to enhance the sustainability of maternity clothing, thereby reducing its environmental impact. Environmental awareness is a critical driver of sustainable consumption behavior. However, the extent to which this awareness translates into actual purchasing decisions, especially in niche markets like maternity clothing, remains under-explored. Understanding this relationship can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and help fashion brands design more effective sustainability initiatives. By examining research question2, the study aims to bridge the gap in literature regarding the specific impact of environmental awareness on consumption behaviors within the maternity clothing segment. This can inform strategies for promoting eco-friendly practices and increasing consumer engagement in sustainable fashion. To ensure the comments and reports were relevant, data collection was carried out from 2019 to 2023 using keywords such as “sustainable maternity clothing,” “eco-friendly maternity clothing,” “sustainable fashion,” “maternity clothing consumption,” and “postpartum clothing consumption.” A total of 1,086 relevant papers and other materials were obtained, Out of these ,45 viable texts were chosen for an in -depth analysis. The study identified factors related to environmental consciousness and three stages of sustainable maternity clothing consumption behavior. Additionally, it offers recommendations for encouraging sustainable consumption of maternity clothing through effective management practices.