Cultural Identity and Social Norms as Drivers of the Low-Carbon Transition: A Comparative Study of Poland and Germany

Henryk Wojtaszek (), Dariusz Budrowski, Ireneusz Miciuła, Anna Kowalczyk, Irena Malinowska, Bartosz Błaszczak, Aneta Pawlińska, Adam Stecyk, Anna Bielawa and Sławomir Ozdyk
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Henryk Wojtaszek: SGMK Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, College of Economics and Management, 00-695 Warsaw, Poland
Dariusz Budrowski: SGMK Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School, College of Economics and Management, 00-695 Warsaw, Poland
Ireneusz Miciuła: Institute of Economics and Finance, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
Anna Kowalczyk: Higher Vocational Education School, 53-329 Wrocław, Poland
Irena Malinowska: Higher Vocational Education School, 53-329 Wrocław, Poland
Bartosz Błaszczak: Higher Vocational Education School, 53-329 Wrocław, Poland
Aneta Pawlińska: Humanities and Economics Academy, 01-043 Warsaw, Poland
Adam Stecyk: Institute of Spatial Management and Socio-Economic Geography, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
Anna Bielawa: Department of Enterprise Management, Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
Sławomir Ozdyk: Institute of Political Science and Security Studies, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-27

Abstract: This study examines the cultural and social dynamics influencing the low-carbon energy transition in Poland and Germany, highlighting the pivotal role of social norms and environmental identity in shaping public engagement with sustainable energy policies. The research employs a comparative qualitative analysis to understand how cultural underpinnings affect the adoption of sustainable behaviors and policy acceptance in distinct national contexts. Results indicate a profound disparity in environmental identity and social norms between the two countries, with Germany exhibiting a more integrated ecological consciousness and robust social norms that facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices. Conversely, Poland shows emergent behavioral changes influenced primarily by European Union policies and less entrenched ecological norms. The study concludes that effective energy transition strategies require not only technological and policy innovation but also cultural and social adaptability to ensure wide acceptance and implementation. Emphasizing the need for culturally informed policies, the findings suggest that aligning energy transition initiatives with prevailing social norms and identities significantly enhances their efficacy and public support.

Keywords: low-carbon transition; social norms; environmental identity; sustainable behavior; energy policy; comparative analysis; Poland; Germany; cultural adaptability; policy effectiveness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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