Green behavior is traditionally considered as an effective way to ameliorate environmental degradation and requires an individual to make sacrifices of their social resources. However, few studies have focused on its status signaling. In this study, we draw on the theory of social class and the concept of status signaling theory to empirically investigate the effect of objective social class and perceived social status on private-sphere green behavior in China. Using national comprehensive survey data from China General Survey Data (CGSS) in 2021 subjected to ordinary least-square regression model and step regression models, we present the following results: (1) higher-class individuals, both objectively and subjectively, tend to engage in more private-sphere green behavior than their lower-class counterparts; (2) the effect of objective social class on private-sphere green behavior is mediated by individual’s perceived social status in the class hierarchy; (3) environmental concern significantly correlates with private-sphere green behavior, and it also mediates the effect between objective social class and private-sphere green behavior. The present research provides insights into how social class and its psychological manifestations (i.e., perceptions of status) correlate with private-green behavior in China. Our results suggest that more social context factors should be considered when identifying the factors promoting pro-environmental behavior in China.

Identifying predictors of pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) can not only figure out who concerns about the environment most but also inform possible pathways that advance or inhabit such prosocial actions. Most past studies and theories focus on factors that reside within personal characteristics or sociopsychological mechanisms rather than taking a holistic view that integrates these two elements into a framework. This study investigates how socioeconomic status (SES) correlates with PEBs, integrating both structural and psychological mechanisms. Drawing on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) theoretical framework, this paper examines the paradox whereby individuals with higher SES exhibit more frequent environmental actions yet demonstrate lower willingness to pay (WTP)—a form of economic sacrifice. Using nationally representative data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), our structural equation modeling reveals that adulthood SES positively correlates with environmental values and behaviors but negatively correlates with WTP. This challenges the traditional linear assumption that greater willingness necessarily leads to greater action. Additionally, while childhood SES predicts adult SES, it shows no direct effect on environmental engagement. These findings highlight multidimensional pathways by which SES shape environmental actions, necessitating differentiated policy approaches to build a sustainable world.