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A Longitudinal Study on Sustainability Perceptions in Portugal

Author

Listed:
  • Bruno M. Ferreira

    (CISeD—Research Center in Digital Services, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

  • José Luís Abrantes

    (CISeD—Research Center in Digital Services, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Manuel Reis

    (CISeD—Research Center in Digital Services, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Flávio R. Brambilla

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração, UNISC—Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul 96815-010, Brazil)

Abstract

This study aims to advance the understanding of sustainable behaviour by exploring the perceptions, knowledge, and opinions about the sustainability of nearly graduated students in Portugal. A three-wave exploratory and longitudinal study was conducted with Management and Marketing students in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The findings come from both quantitative and qualitative approaches. First, the results reveal low levels of knowledge about sustainability, Sustainable Development Goals, and other related concepts. Then, by a qualitative analysis, this study highlights the terms related to sustainability and perceived sustainable practices. It also examines changes perceived since the COVID-19 pandemic and what their threats and opportunities in the coming years are. The main conclusion of this study is the critical need for education on sustainability and related concepts beyond simple recycling practices. The use of sustainability as a marketing tool is insufficient to create a viable future. Higher education must develop a new shared and sustainable vision for sustainability education.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno M. Ferreira & José Luís Abrantes & Manuel Reis & Flávio R. Brambilla, 2023. "A Longitudinal Study on Sustainability Perceptions in Portugal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:7:p:5893-:d:1109862
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Murtaza Haider & Randall Shannon & George P. Moschis, 2022. "Sustainable Consumption Research and the Role of Marketing: A Review of the Literature (1976–2021)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-36, March.
    2. Fatemi, Ali M. & Fooladi, Iraj J., 2013. "Sustainable finance: A new paradigm," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 24(2), pages 101-113.
    3. Charlie Lindgren & Asif M. Huq & Kenneth Carling, 2021. "Who Are the Intended Users of CSR Reports? Insights from a Data-Driven Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-20, January.
    4. Xun Zeng & Yuanchun Yu & San Yang & Yang Lv & Md Nazirul Islam Sarker, 2022. "Urban Resilience for Urban Sustainability: Concepts, Dimensions, and Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-27, February.
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