What Are The Key Dimensions Of The Ycscb Scale In Footwear? Master Sustainable Consumption Metrics For Young Consumers

The Young Consumers Sustainable Consumption Behavior (YCSCB) scale is defined by two fundamental dimensions: purchase choice and restrained consumption. This validated framework serves as a specialized tool for researchers to measure how sustainability influences decision-making in the footwear market, distinguishing between what consumers choose to buy and what they choose to avoid.

The YCSCB scale moves beyond abstract environmental sentiment by categorizing sustainable behavior into actionable metrics. It allows researchers to scientifically analyze the dual nature of modern consumption: the active selection of eco-friendly products and the conscious decision to reduce overall consumption.

The Architecture of the YCSCB Scale

Dimension 1: Purchase Choice

This dimension focuses on the active selection process when a consumer decides to acquire new footwear. It measures the extent to which sustainability factors—such as materials, ethical labor, or corporate responsibility—dictate the specific product chosen.

By isolating this variable, researchers can quantify how much weight young consumers place on "green" attributes compared to traditional factors like price or aesthetics.

Dimension 2: Restrained Consumption

Unlike traditional market metrics that only track sales, this dimension measures the decision not to purchase. It quantifies behaviors related to reducing waste, such as delaying gratification, repairing existing items, or avoiding unnecessary buying cycles.

This is a critical addition to sustainability research, as it acknowledges that the most sustainable action is often the absence of a transaction.

Transforming Attitudes into Data

From Sentiment to Science

Abstract consumer attitudes, such as "caring for the environment," are notoriously difficult to use in rigorous scientific analysis. The YCSCB scale solves this by converting these subjective feelings into quantifiable data.

Standardized Measurement

As a validated measurement tool, the scale provides a standardized framework. This ensures that data collected regarding footwear selection is consistent, allowing for accurate comparisons across different studies and consumer demographics.

Critical Considerations in Measurement

The Scope of the Metric

While the scale is robust, it is important to recognize it is designed specifically to categorize complex sustainable consumption. It frames sustainability not as a single trait, but as a multi-faceted behavior involving both action (buying) and inaction (restraining).

Potential Blind Spots

Researchers must ensure they analyze both dimensions simultaneously. Focusing solely on "purchase choice" may inflate the perceived sustainability of a demographic that buys "green" products but fails to practice "restrained consumption," thereby still contributing to high waste levels.

Making the Right Choice for Your Research

To effectively apply the YCSCB scale to your projects, consider which dimension aligns with your specific objectives:

If your primary focus is product design and marketing: Prioritize the purchase choice dimension to identify which specific sustainable attributes drive young consumers to select a new shoe over a competitor's.
If your primary focus is environmental impact or lifecycle analysis: Lean on the restrained consumption dimension to understand how consumer behavior is shifting toward product longevity and reduced volume.

The power of the YCSCB scale lies in its ability to turn the vague concept of "sustainability" into hard numbers that drive better decision-making.

Summary Table:

Dimension	Core Focus	Key Metrics for Researchers
Purchase Choice	Active acquisition	Preference for eco-friendly materials, ethical labor, and green branding.
Restrained Consumption	Voluntary reduction	Repairing existing footwear, delaying new purchases, and waste avoidance.
Data Application	Quantifiable insights	Converting subjective sentiment into standardized, scientific footwear market data.

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References

Gustavo Barrera-Verdugo, Antonio Villarroel-Villarroel. Influence of product selection criteria on clothing purchase and post-purchase behaviours: A gender and generational comparison. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267783

This article is also based on technical information from 3515 Knowledge Base .