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A social identity approach to understanding sustainability and environmental behaviours in South Africa

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journal contribution
posted on 2025-04-08, 09:18 authored by JO Irene, Chux DanielsChux Daniels, BNO Irene, M Kelly, R Frank
In recent years, change in behaviour towards the environment has gained prominence as a policy tool to influence positive environmental value. Simultaneously, the role played by social identity in promoting pro-environmental action is gaining recognition. Within this work, the intersection between collective group identity and environmental behaviour has received very little attention. Group norms are considered a strong predictor of pro-environmental behaviour, yet the influence of social identity and collective action on environmental action has not been adequately investigated in a multi-ethnic setting. Within this context, this study examines the affective component of social identity influence on pro-environmental action. More succinctly, this study demonstrates how outgroups and in-groups’ relations and broader sociocultural structures, values, interest, and norms impact environmental and sustainability transitions behaviours. Through interviews with participants across the four dominant social groups in South Africa, this study provides compelling evidence that country-wide expressions of social identity and ingroup dynamics shapes the individual behaviour regarding environmental and sustainability concerns and further strengthen the individual’s perspective for social environmental transformation. This study advances the need for a social-identity centred approach to foster pro-environmental and sustainability outcomes. Highlights: The influence that social contexts and social group memberships have on individual perception and behaviour provide important insights to build an empirical base for an inclusive environmental and sustainable action. We applied the theory of social identity to explore these processes and how normative group values and group interest shape environmental behaviour.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Local Environment

ISSN

1354-9839

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Page range

1-19

Department affiliated with

  • Business and Management Publications
  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Institution

University of Sussex

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes