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What is (responsible) consumption? Discussing environment and consumption with children from different socioeconomic backgrounds in The Netherlands

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  • Helen Kopnina

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

This research explores the attitudes of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds toward consumption with the aim of establishing a framework for incorporating the subject of (responsible) consumption into the upper elementary school curriculum. This study draws upon the four-step methodological procedure, including consumption diaries, focus-group sessions, interviews, and concept mapping, conducted among 140 upper elementary school children in the Netherlands between September 2010 and January 2011. The consumption diaries, chronological documents recording purchase, use and waste of materials, were used both as analytical tools and the means to stimulate environmental awareness. Comparison of the clusters generated by concept mapping analysis shows that there are significant differences between attitudes of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. While pupils from the “well-to-do” predominantly ethnically Dutch schools showed greater awareness of and concern about their own consumptive patterns, children from less economically advantaged and ethnically mixed schools demonstrated lower environmental awareness and concern. However, children from the disadvantaged schools demonstrated more pro-environmental consumptive behaviors associated with the money-saving activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Helen Kopnina, 2011. "What is (responsible) consumption? Discussing environment and consumption with children from different socioeconomic backgrounds in The Netherlands," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 31(3), pages 216-226, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:31:y:2011:i:3:d:10.1007_s10669-011-9324-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-011-9324-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leiser, David & Beth Halachmi, Reut, 2006. "Children's understanding of market forces," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 6-19, February.
    2. Giovanni Baiocchi & Jan Minx & Klaus Hubacek, 2010. "The Impact of Social Factors and Consumer Behavior on Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the United Kingdom," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 14(1), pages 50-72, January.
    3. Max J. Pfeffer & J. Mayone Stycos, 2002. "Immigrant Environmental Behaviors in New York City," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 83(1), pages 64-81, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kopnina, Helen & Williams, Melanie, 2012. "Car attitudes in children from different socio-economic backgrounds in the Netherlands," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 118-125.
    2. Chelsea Schelly, 2015. "Frameworks for Understanding and Promoting Solar Energy Technology Development," Resources, MDPI, vol. 4(1), pages 1-15, February.

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