Perceptions of Sustainability Among Undergraduates at the University of North Texas: Environmental, Economic, Cultural Sustainability, The Eagle Feather

2007 Issue

Table of Contents | Editorial Board | Review Acknowledgements

Perceptions of Sustainability Among Undergraduates at the University of North Texas: Environmental, Economic, Cultural Sustainability

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Author: Ange Atkinson, Trinity University, San Antonio
Faculty Mentor:
Lisa Henry, Department of Anthropology, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of North Texas
Department:
Department of Anthropology, College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Bio:
Ange is a junior at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, pursuing degrees in Anthropology and Communication with a minor in Geosciences. Currently, she is a National Science Foundation Anthropology Research Intern at the University of North Texas. Her research interests include understanding peoples’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward environmental, economic, and cultural sustainability in order to find a way to better promote the concept of sustainability to the public. Upon returning to her home university, Ange hopes to expand her current research topic by examining perceptions of sustainability at San Antonio colleges and universities. After graduation in spring 2009, she hopes to join the Peace Corps, and then attend graduate school to continue her academic education and research in sustainability.

Abstract:
In 1987 the Brutland Report defined “sustainability” or “sustainable development” as “[d]evelopment that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (1987:8). This is the most widely accepted definition of sustainable development. Since then, sustainability has become well known in the academic arena, and various governmental organizations have addressed sustainable development. Yet what does sustainability actually mean to the general public? This research project delves into this question. The goal of this research project is to gain a deeper insight into the knowledge, beliefs, values, concerns, and actions of college students at the University of North Texas toward sustainability. Many students that participated in this project offered a definition of sustainability, but many were incomplete or inaccurate.

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