Higher education and environment: Qualitative analysis of student’s environmental perception of meaning and action about the environment

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 . PhD in Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

10.22080/jsn.2021.22289.1060

Abstract

Identifying and explaining student’s environmental perceptions is an important step in policy-making and educating a generation aware of environmental hazards and how to deal, with it and accept and modify ecological policies. The present study was conducted with the aim of sociological analysis of students' environmental perception, the conditions affecting it, and effective strategies to improve environmental issues based on an interpretive approach. To select the samples, 25 students of Tehran universities in 2019-2020 were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data analysis using data-based theory and using open coding steps has been central and selective. The extracted paradigm model was formed in four parts including: causal conditions, intervenors, strategies, and consequences around the central phenomenon. The results showed that participants' perception is based on the dominant social paradigm with two main categories of environmental perception and humanistic perception. In addition, the values and norms of behavioral patterns or and socialization are among the important factors in shaping student’s perceptions and have caused mass behaviors based on emotions and behavior change under the influence of dominant conditions. That is, if the conditions of the model governing social behaviors are compatible with and support for the environment, environmentally friendly behavior occurs, and wherever the dominant paradigm is negative, humanistic behaviors are plotted.The design of the environmental issue and highlighting it in at the community, can be effective in constructing environmental issues, attracting students' attention, shaping the perception of environmentalism and activism.

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References

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Journal of Society and the Environment
Volume 1, Issue 1
June 2024
Pages 21-49

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