ERIC Number: EJ1247941
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1350-4622
EISSN: N/A
The Role of Gender, Race, and Ethnicity in Environmental Identity Development in Undergraduate Student Narratives
Miao, Ruolin E.; Cagle, Nicolette L.
Environmental Education Research, v26 n2 p171-188 2020
Recent work in environmental psychology and education emphasizes environmental identity as important in predicting a broad array of environmental behaviors. However, there are gaps in understanding how other social identities interact with environmental identity. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds supplemented by environmental identity and demographic surveys. Our interviews showed that gender and race/ethnicity affect the development of undergraduate environmental identity by influencing (1) significant life experiences (SLEs) with nature and (2) important social influences in environmental identity development. In particular, gender and race impacted relationships with mentors, gender stereotypes limited potential SLEs, and gendered physical concerns constrained environmental activities. Other themes included the role of socio-economic status and nature as a source of empowerment. Our work suggests that research is needed on the interplay among different identities and environmental identity, and that further work is necessary to make the environmental field inclusive for all.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Environmental Education, Self Concept, Gender Differences, Race, Ethnicity, Social Influences, Sex Stereotypes, Experience, Student Attitudes, Mentors, Socioeconomic Status, Empowerment, Physical Environment, Disproportionate Representation, Individual Development, Minority Group Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: North Carolina (Durham)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A