Toward Fostering Environmental Political Participation: Framing an Agenda for Environmental Education Research

• In Event: Roundtable Session 60
  In Roundtable Session: Political Participation and Community-Based Environmental Learning

Abstract

Scholars of environmental education have called for individuals to become increasingly engaged in political processes aimed at addressing environmental and sustainability issues. Few, however, have studied how educational experiences might foster greater environmental political engagement. Fortunately, research in political science, psychology, and education provides insights that EE scholars and educators can build on. This conceptual paper (1) summarizes the broad support for preparing individuals for environmental political participation through education, (2) synthesizes research on the factors that influence political participation, (3) provides a theoretical framework for educators and researchers interested in fostering environmental political participation, and (4) offers recommendations for studies that will provide educators with guidance on how to foster individuals’ environmental political participation.

Authors

• Brett Miller Levy, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Michaela T. Zint, University of Michigan