Intergenerational Communication in Families and Sustainable Consumption Practices in Agromaritime Communities: A Socio-Economic Transformation Perspective
Abstract
This study examines how intergenerational communication within families mediates the relationship between socio-economic transformation of the agromaritime sector and sustainable consumption practices in households in coastal communities in Indonesia. Departing from the national context—namely the agenda of transforming food and agromaritime systems towards sustainability—this study positions the family as a key unit for socializing values and negotiating consumption choices when economic opportunities, market access, and technology are changing rapidly. The research design is qualitative with a multi-site case study approach in three agromaritime communities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews across generations (parents–children), participatory observation of household consumption practices, and FGDs, as well as local documentation. The results show: (1) open and reflective communication strengthens the internalization of sustainable consumption values (waste reduction, preference for local products, energy efficiency); (2) socio-economic transformation (business diversification, marketing digitalization, maritime-based tourism) changes income structures and consumption preferences; (3) intergenerational value tensions and market status pressures become obstacles; and (4) households that display collaborative communication patterns show consistency in greener consumption choices. The theoretical contribution is the articulation of the "Transformation → Family Communication → Sustainable Consumption" model in the agromaritime domain; the practical contribution is the design of a policy intervention that integrates a family communication module into an agromaritime transformation program. The findings are expected to be relevant for policymakers, environmental NGOs, and local communities in consolidating economic, socio-ecological sustainability.
