Everyday Energy Information Literacy and Attitudes towards Energy-Related Decisions: Gender Differences among Finns

Teija Keränen () and Heidi Enwald ()
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Teija Keränen: Information Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland
Heidi Enwald: Information Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland

Resources, 2023, vol. 12, issue 6, 1-16

Abstract: Many household-level decisions are made in families and, in studies, gender has been found to be an important factor affecting both household energy consumption behavior and household-level decisions related to energy use. This article scrutinizes everyday energy information literacy (EEIL) based on qualitative data collected from Finnish households in 2018 and reflects the findings by the gender differences that emerged from the quantitative analysis. The data (n = 415) included Finnish households (n = 323) and the residents of Ii municipality (n = 92), a pioneering municipality striving for carbon neutrality. The results indicate that there are gender differences in the dimensions of EEIL. Scrutinizing the qualitative data revealed the nuances of the differences. The qualitative data brought depth to the analysis by deciphering examples of respondents’ views and perceived challenges in improving energy efficiency at home. The examples also illustrate the respondents’ need for energy counselling and trusted parties from whom they hope information and advice. The article provides new information on gender differences in EEIL. Gaining more information on different groups and their attitudes, capabilities, and preferences helps to achieve carbon neutrality targets as a society. The results may be utilized in tailored communication for specific target groups and in communities’ decision making and policies.

Keywords: climate change; energy information literacy; energy literacy; energy transition; everyday life; Finns; households; information literacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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