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Pro-environmental behavior and environmentalist movements: Evidence from the identification with Fridays for Future

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  • Flörchinger, Daniela
  • Frondel, Manuel
  • Sommer, Stephan
  • Andor, Mark Andreas

Abstract

Using identification with the environmentalist movement Fridays for Future, this paper empirically tests the effect of a novel type of prime on pro-environmental behavior: the reminder of their previously stated attitude towards Fridays for Future. On the basis of a large-scale survey experiment including the incentivized choice between a voucher for a flight or a train ride, we find evidence that respondents who receive such an identity prime are more likely to behave in line with the movement's moral principles in that they take the train. Our results suggest that pro-environmental behavior may be enhanced by reminding individuals of their attitude towards environmental matters.

Suggested Citation

  • Flörchinger, Daniela & Frondel, Manuel & Sommer, Stephan & Andor, Mark Andreas, 2024. "Pro-environmental behavior and environmentalist movements: Evidence from the identification with Fridays for Future," Ruhr Economic Papers 1077, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:295230
    DOI: 10.4419/96973250
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    2. Eßer, Jana & Flörchinger, Daniela & Frondel, Manuel & Sommer, Stephan, 2025. "Avoiding cognitive inconsistency: Experimental evidence on sustainable online shopping," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    3. Flörchinger, Daniela, 2026. "A model of moral balancing under motivated reasoning," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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