Understanding concepts and behavior in the field of environment (study of active environmental NGO members)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Sociology, Faculty of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Master of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22080/jsn.2024.26786.1068

Abstract

The main goal of this research is to know the environmental perception of activists active in this field, the reasons for this perception and the solutions to increase environmental awareness from their point of view. To conduct this research, a qualitative approach was used using the grounded theory method. The field of study includes all environmental activists in Tehran who are active in the field of environment. Sampling of the research was done by purposeful sampling using the two criteria of "diversity" and "reaching the theoretical saturation point" and interviews were conducted with 40 of these people. The results showed that the understanding and imagination of environmental activists are in two categories: particularist attitude (ecological transcendental attitude, boomerang effects) and generalist attitude (human-centered and comprehensively concerned attitude). Also, the factors and reasons of this type of understanding and imagination were categorized in three levels: micro level (according to conditions and interests), medium level (including childhood socialization, environmental conditions) and macro level (passive impressionability and active participation). The strategies presented in order to understand the perceptual and behavioral interactions of the members of active environmental groups were placed in two categories: short-term mechanism (authority and coercion) and long-term mechanism (including cultural development and educational development).

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References

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Journal of Society and the Environment
Volume 1, Issue 1
June 2024
Pages 91-127

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