A Grounded Theory of Pro-Nature Behaviour: From Moral Concern to Sustained Action

Sustainability

卷:13

Lorraine Whitmarsh¹  Geoffrey Haddock²  Marc O. Williams²  Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost³ 

[1] Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK;

[2] School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK;

[3] School of Welsh, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK;

关键词: pro-nature behaviour;    pro-environmental behaviour;    behaviour change;    biodiversity;    conservation;    moral concern;   

DOI  :  10.3390/su13168944

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Worldwide ecosystem decline is a pressing issue that has led governments to sign up to biodiversity-related targets, but little is known about what drives individuals’ conservation behaviour. This study uses a qualitative methodology (grounded theory) to understand what leads to pro-nature attitudes and behaviours. Twenty participants (10 men; 10 women) underwent semi-structured interviews and audio files were transcribed and coded to form the basis of theory. The authors propose a model based on interview material in which species with intrinsic value (i.e., deemed valuable in their own right, not for their usefulness to humans) are within the bounds of moral consideration. Individuals with generalised beliefs about the intrinsic value of non-human species expressed moral concern for human-caused impacts on nature. External prompts, including social messages, were associated with sporadic pro-nature behaviours. Individuals engaging in sustained behaviour showed evidence of having internalised moral standard of pro-nature actions and also appeared to fashion a social environment that would sustain and enhance their moral views. We discuss the implications of our findings with respect to conservation campaign messaging and government policy.

【 授权许可】

Unknown