Identifying Normative Components in the Formation of Environmental Attitudes in Children
Keywords:
Environmental attitude, children, normative education, family, school, thematic analysisAbstract
This study aimed to identify normative components influencing the formation of environmental attitudes in children, focusing on the role of family, school, and internalized educational factors. This qualitative study employed thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 participants, including teachers, parents, and environmental education experts in Tehran. Participants were selected via purposive sampling and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed using NVivo 12 software, following Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis approach. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: "Internal Educational Factors Shaping Environmental Attitudes," "Family’s Role in Norm Transmission," and "Educational Environment’s Role." These themes included 18 subthemes comprising elements such as personal responsibility, sustainable habits, family consumption style, parent-child environmental dialogue, role modeling by parents and teachers, environmental education content, and group school projects. The results revealed that the development of environmental attitudes in children is a multifaceted process shaped by the interaction of personal, familial, and educational factors. Normative components play a central role in this formation process. These findings highlight the need for multi-level educational policymaking and revision of teaching content and parenting styles to strengthen children's environmental attitudes.
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