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The Culture and Personal Disposal Practices of University Students: A Qualitative Study in Brazil and Germany

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  • Iveltyma Roosemalen Passos Ibiapina

    (Iveltyma Roosemalen Passos Ibiapina is Professor at the Faculty of Management and Business, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.)

  • Aurio Leocadio

    (Aurio Leocadio is Professor at the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. E-mail: aurioleocadio42@gmail.com)

  • Jose Carlos Lazaro

    (Jose Carlos Lazaro is Professor at the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. E-mail: lazaro.ufc@gmail.com)

  • Claudia Buhamra Abreu Romero

    (Claudia Buhamra Abreu Romero is Professor at the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. E-mail: buhamra@ufc.br)

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cultural components and municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal individual practices in the context of Brazilian and German university students. To achieve this goal, we chose to conduct qualitative research with ethnographic inspiration, exploratory and descriptive nature. For one year, the authors collected data through participant and non-participant observations, interviews and photographs from both countries. The results showed that waste disposal is a constant concern in Germany. Waste separation for recycling is cultural and is the primary waste disposal practice in the country. In Brazil, the primary practice is to dispose of all waste in just one bin. Several elements of the cultural components are involved in these practices, revealing a significant sustainable cultural difference between the two countries. One of the limitations of the study is Brazil itself. Brazil is a continental and multi-cultural country. The results present a perceived country general view; but maybe in other cities inside Brazil, some differences could be present. As an empirical contribution, the study presents a lack of public policy and gives suggestions to improve the structure (material culture) and communication (and language) of the practices through actions. These actions can be the implementation of the selective collection in the city, improved enforcement of laws or even new public policies aimed at waste management. The originality of the article consists in investigating and comparing the disposal practices of MSW of Brazilian and German students in the light of culture. This study innovates bringing an empirical analysis of cultural components little studied.

Suggested Citation

  • Iveltyma Roosemalen Passos Ibiapina & Aurio Leocadio & Jose Carlos Lazaro & Claudia Buhamra Abreu Romero, 2021. "The Culture and Personal Disposal Practices of University Students: A Qualitative Study in Brazil and Germany," Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, , vol. 15(1), pages 51-71, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jousus:v:15:y:2021:i:1:p:51-71
    DOI: 10.1177/09734082211002436
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Kastanakis, Minas N. & Voyer, Benjamin G., 2014. "The effect of culture on perception and cognition: A conceptual framework," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(4), pages 425-433.
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