Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17234/SocEkol.34.1.1
Youth classes based on attitudes towards climate change – the role of social dominance orientation
Tomislav Pavlović
orcid.org/0000-0002-4470-3715
; Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences
*
Renata Franc
orcid.org/0000-0002-1909-2393
; Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences
Marina Maglić
orcid.org/0000-0002-6851-4601
; Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study is based on data collected through an online survey of 2,134 Croatian high school students conducted in late 2019 and early 2020. Using indicators of climate change awareness (perceived severity of consequences, attribution of responsibility to the government, and acceptance of personal responsibility) and environmental behaviours and intentions (such as activism and consumer behaviour), we identifi ed seven latent classes using latent class analysis. One class is characterized by a high likelihood of strong climate awareness and prior pro-environmental behavior (very aware and active, 19% of the sample). Two classes are characterized by awareness and willingness to engage in pro-environmental behaviour (aware and willing, 24%; very aware and willing, 18%). Th e “uninterested” class (11%) is marked by indecision, but potential willingness for environmental behavior. Th e “somewhat aware and somewhat willing” class (17%) exhibits climate awareness but is undecided about government responsibility and environmental intentions. Th e “mixed” class (5%) is characterized by considerable indecision regarding attitudes and intentions, while the “unprepared” class (6%) shows divided attitudes and a lack of environmental intentions. Additional analysis confi rmed that the classes diff er in terms of social dominance orientation, gender, and type of school program. Overall, it can be concluded that a group of young people characterized by greater climate change awareness and consistent environmental behavior or intentions is less likely to be socially dominant, more likely to be female than male, and to some degree more likely to attend grammar schools (as opposed to a vocational school).
Keywords
climate change, latent class analysis, social dominance orientation, youth
Hrčak ID:
330468
URI
Publication date:
29.4.2025.
Visits: 1.152 *