Environmental attitudes among Europeans: the moderating effects of volunteering and sports club membership

Christoph Bühren () and Pamela Wicker ()
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Christoph Bühren: University of Kassel
Pamela Wicker: Bielefeld University

Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, 2024, vol. 26, issue 1, No 3, 49-69

Abstract: Abstract This study examines the correlates of environmental attitudes among Europeans and focuses on the roles of volunteering and practicing sports in a voluntary sports club. Drawing on the literature on social preferences, it argues that altruism and generosity are characteristics that apply to both leisure activities, while also shaping environmental attitudes. The empirical analysis uses data from the European Values Survey (2017–2019; n = 34,296). Environmental attitudes are captured by a composite index and a trade-off question assessing individuals’ preferences for environmental protection versus economic growth. The results of regression analyses show that volunteering and sports club membership have a significant positive association with the environmental attitude measures. Furthermore, both activities attenuate the negative associations of socio-demographic characteristics, including male gender, lower and medium education, retirement, being in a partnership, and living in a small town. Environmental policy should consider the spillover effects of leisure activities on individuals’ environmental attitudes.

Keywords: Environmental protection; Economic growth; Pro-social behavior; Social preferences; Voluntary organization; Voluntary work (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s10018-023-00373-1

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