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Testing Common Knowledge: Are Northern Europeans and Millennials More Concerned about the Environment?

Author

Listed:
  • Cristina Gómez-Román

    (CRETUS Institute, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
    Department of Social Psychology, Basic and Methodology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Maria Luisa Lima

    (CIS-IUL/ISCTE, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Gloria Seoane

    (Department of Social Psychology, Basic and Methodology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Mónica Alzate

    (Department of Social Psychology, Basic and Methodology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Marcos Dono

    (Department of Social Psychology, Basic and Methodology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • José-Manuel Sabucedo

    (CRETUS Institute, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
    Department of Social Psychology, Basic and Methodology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

Abstract

This study explores whether there are differences in several environmental dimensions, when the European Region and Generation cohort are considered. In doing so, this study compares millennials in North and South Europe with members of Generation X in three environmental dimensions: attitudes, personal norms, and behavior. Using data from the European Social Survey ( n = 6.216), the researchers tested the hypothesis that Northern Europeans and millennials have more pro-environmental standing than southerners and Generation Xers. The findings challenge the common belief that millennials are more committed to being environmentally conscious, showing that many millennials do not feel responsible for their climate footprint, nor do they behave in a way that shows more concern than previous generations to improve their environmental performance. Furthermore, contrary to expectations, Northern European participants are not the most committed, in all environmental dimensions, compared to Southern Europeans.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristina Gómez-Román & Maria Luisa Lima & Gloria Seoane & Mónica Alzate & Marcos Dono & José-Manuel Sabucedo, 2020. "Testing Common Knowledge: Are Northern Europeans and Millennials More Concerned about the Environment?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2020:i:1:p:45-:d:466782
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    References listed on IDEAS

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