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Towards an ethical consensus for sustainable development: the role of values, morals, and norms in shaping pro-environmental behaviour

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  • Aslanidis, Panagiotis-Stavros
  • Halkou, Panagiota
  • Halkos, George

Abstract

The aim of the review is to investigate the critical role of psychological and sociocultural factors in sustainable development. Unlike traditional approaches that prioritize mainly on technical and economic solutions, the novelty of this work lies in its reframing of sustainability through a deeply social and ethical lens. The paper introduces a multidimensional perspective on sustainable transformation through an extensive synthesis of behavioural theories, climatic-oriented psychological elements (e.g., eco-anxiety), and cultural practices (e.g., biomimicry). The three review’s objectives are to: (i) incorporate psychological and sociocultural dimensions into sustainable development agenda; (ii) demonstrate how values, norms, and perceptions shape pro-environmental behaviours; and (iii) call for an ethical consensus across societal sectors. Essentially, this integrative approach seeks to build more inclusive, resilient, and ethically grounded pathways to sustainable development, as sustainable development is not only a techno-economic challenge,but also a deeply socio-ethical endeavour.

Suggested Citation

  • Aslanidis, Panagiotis-Stavros & Halkou, Panagiota & Halkos, George, 2025. "Towards an ethical consensus for sustainable development: the role of values, morals, and norms in shaping pro-environmental behaviour," MPRA Paper 124903, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:124903
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Halkos, George & Aslanidis, Panagiotis-Stavros, 2025. "The Socio-Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions on Non-marketed Environmental Valuation," MPRA Paper 124961, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    environmental psychology; environmental sociology; environmental economics; sustainable consumer behaviour; sustainable employee behaviour; sustainable development; ethics.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General
    • Q59 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Other
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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