Formal Education Levels and Environmental Interest

Ted Peterson

Social Science Quarterly, 2025, vol. 106, issue 4

Abstract: Objective This study investigates the relationship between formal education levels and environmental interest among utility customers, aiming to contribute to the academic understanding of demographic and behavioral differences. Methods Data were collected from a 2022 survey of 1209 utility respondents. The analysis compared respondents with and without a bachelor's degree, examining differences in income, marital status, home tenure, fuel choices, and environmental interest based on survey responses. Results Respondents with a bachelor's degree reported higher incomes, were more likely to be married, older, and had lived longer in their homes compared to non‐bachelor's degree holders, who were more often single. Males were more likely to have higher educational attainment. Lower education levels were associated with greater use of electric heating over natural gas. However, little evidence was found linking formal education level to differences in environmental interest or pro‐environmental behaviors, including energy reduction importance, participation in renewable energy programs, appliance selection preferences, and reported changes in natural gas consumption. Conclusion While demographic and fuel‐use differences were observed between education levels, environmental interest and behaviors did not vary significantly. Further research is recommended to explore factors influencing renewable energy program participation and fuel choices for heating, and to validate these findings, particularly regarding product selection and consumption behaviors.

Date: 2025
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