An exploration of the psycho-social responses and adaptions of citizens to the experience of conflict between consumerist and environmental values in the UK

Abstract

The pre-eminence of consumer culture would suggest that the achievement of
environmental citizenship in practice is improbable. However, against the shared
backdrop of advanced industrial capitalism, some individuals demonstrate levels of pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) and commitment that set them apart from the majority of
their fellow citizens.

In an attempt to explore the difference in motivation underlying this phenomenon, the
strategy of this thesis is to present a comparative analysis of 'green' and 'non-green'
individuals from a psycho-social perspective which focuses on the interface of the
personal, social and political. By selecting a sample with similar socio-economic
characteristics - apart from their pro-environmental practice -the thesis aims to
contribute to accounts of how PEB might be fostered and commitment both deepened and
sustained.

The analysis suggests that 'greens' are strongly influenced by experience of nature,
especially as children, and that this experience has laid the foundation for an adult pro-environmental orientation in which PEB is one manifestation of a broader and deeper
personal ethical stance. The significance of nature implies that, given the dominant
emphasis on materialism and a lack of access to direct experience of nature within
contemporary consumer culture, the power of environmental education is limited.

Analysis of the data from the 'non-greens' suggests that experience of personal conflict
between consumer and environmental values is less significant in deterring motivation
towards PEB than experience of the conflict between these sets of values embedded in
political, economic and cultural institutions. Recognition of the conflict was common to
both samples but, whereas the greens were able to draw on a personal ethical stance to
sustain PEB, the response of the non-greens was generally one of demoralisation.

Opening spaces and opportunities for deliberation may be a promising avenue for citizens
to explore and confront the conflicting demands of the environment and consumption but
in the absence of systemic changes in government, economic and cultural practices,
significant changes in PEB are highly unlikely

More information

Identifiers

Catalogue record

Export record