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A torn generation: Dichotomies and dissonances on sustainability and technological change in in-depth interviews with university students

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Köves

    (Department of Decision Sciences, Institute for Operations and Decision Sciences, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary)

  • Tamás Tóth

    (Department of Social Communication, National University of Public Service, Budapest, Hungary)

  • Lilla Vicsek

    (Department of Sociology, Institute of Social and Political Sciences, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary)

Abstract

In a research study among university students regarding technological change, equality and environmental sustainability, deep-seated dichotomies were found in the students' mental images of the future. This study aims to present these dichotomies as well as propose explanations for them, adding to our understanding of what kind of behavioural barriers inhibit sustainability transformations. The results show that the interviewees truly struggle to decide if the world really is on fire regarding environmental change, if technology is capable of solving the situation, if inequality is truly a problem, and how they can relate to all this. The dichotomies that we found suggest that on the one hand, they find no comfort in the dominant techno-optimistic, eco-modernisation narratives and, on the other hand, they are not aware of any alternatives. The results underline the existence of psychological phenomena such as optimism bias or psychological distancing. In our paper, we also address whether dichotomous thinking poses a problem or whether we may have to accept that dichotomies can become the norm when contemplating the world in its increasing complexity.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Köves & Tamás Tóth & Lilla Vicsek, 2024. "A torn generation: Dichotomies and dissonances on sustainability and technological change in in-depth interviews with university students," Society and Economy, Akadémiai Kiadó, Hungary, vol. 46(1), pages 61-78, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:aka:soceco:v:46:y:2024:i:1:p:61-78
    DOI: 10.1556/204.2023.00014
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    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products

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