University of Twente Student Theses
Empowering the Energy Transition: Linking Transition Studies to Drivers and Barriers of Individual Sustainable Energy Behavior
Leonhart, Bodil (2022) Empowering the Energy Transition: Linking Transition Studies to Drivers and Barriers of Individual Sustainable Energy Behavior.
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| Abstract: | Purpose: This research aims to explore how forces that set a transition into motion from the macro perspective play a role in the decision-making process of private homeowners to perform sustainable energy behavior. Current research in transition studies fails to take individual experiences, drivers, and barriers into account when elaborating on the transition process in contemporary society. Method: By performing focus groups in which news articles are discussed that form examples of forces from the macro level, the individual experiences of the energy transition have been explored that influence their perceptions of sustainable energy behavior. To narrow down the scope of this research, the participants of the focus groups consisted of only private homeowners. A total of 5 focus groups were performed, with a total of 21 participants. Results: From the focus groups became clear that the forces from the macro level play a role in the decision-making process of private homeowners. However, individual factors such as psychological distance, efficacy, legacy, and financial reasons impact the effect of the macro forces on the individual. These individual factors can either function as a driver or a barrier to individual sustainable energy behavior. Conclusion: Transition literature lacks to take the individual perspective into account, while this research has shown that these individual factors significantly impact sustainable energy behavior. Future research could focus even more on this role of the individual in complex transitions. By looking at the role of stimulating factors such as legacy and financial reasons, effective communication strategies could be created that benefit the challenge of the energy transition. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Studies MSc (60713) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/93168 |
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