The Effect of Social Recognition on Support for Climate Change Mitigation Measures

Stephanie Jütersonke () and Martin Groß
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Stephanie Jütersonke: Department of Sociology, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
Martin Groß: Department of Sociology, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-29

Abstract: Social recognition is introduced as an explanatory factor for support for climate change mitigation measures to complement already existing research. Drawing on social identity theory, it is established that respect emanating from being part of a generation and social class increases support for climate policies through positive influence on self-assessed financial situation, trust in political institutions, generalized trust, and solidarity. Considering the costs and benefits of climate policies, it is assumed that the importance of respect varies between generations and social classes. Analyses are based on data which were collected via online survey (n = 3046) in September and October 2022 that are representative of the German resident population. Results from linear regressions and structural equation modeling corroborate that the influence of social recognition varies between generations and that it operates through the suggested mechanisms. The most important of these mechanisms is the strengthening of solidarity and trust in political institutions by social recognition.

Keywords: support for climate policies; climate change; collective good problem; social recognition; trust in political institutions; solidarity; social identity theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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