Examining the role of individuals with high socioeconomic status in addressing the issue of climate change

Duncan, Sophie (2024) Examining the role of individuals with high socioeconomic status in addressing the issue of climate change. MSc(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis presents two original research articles examining the role of individuals with high socioeconomic status in addressing the issue of climate change. Across both projects, I aimed to highlight the scope of opportunities that individuals with high SES could have toward climate mitigation and identify where they themselves feel capable of addressing climate change. In Project 1, I explored the perceptions that individuals with high SES held towards climate mitigation through an online qualitative survey (N = 81), directing questions toward their role to address climate change in both their personal and professional lives. In Project 2, I took a closer look at their role as a consumer by conducting a mixed-methods investigation into their willingness to support voluntary action and policy to shift their high-carbon behaviours (N = 511). In the final part of this thesis, I brought together the findings of each paper to reflect on the ways individuals with high SES can be encouraged to utilise their financial and social assets to be a part of the transition toward a lower-carbon future. Overall, this body of work suggests that individuals with high SES have not yet recognised their full potential to address climate change. Yet, by emphasising pathways to engage in climate mitigation, both as consumers and beyond (i.e., role-models, organisational participants, and citizens), high status individuals can enact transformative societal change. In turn, this could afford others with opportunities to address climate change and maximise wellbeing for all within planetary boundaries.

• Item Type: Thesis (MSc(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Papier, Dr. Esther and Hjelmskog, Dr. Annika
• Date of Award: 2024
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2024-84138
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 25 Mar 2024 09:59
• Last Modified: 25 Mar 2024 10:02
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.84138
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/84138

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