by Sarah Whitney

Adam Corner, Ezra Markowitz, and Nick Pidgeon (2014) analyze various works of research from philosophical, psychological, and anthropological fields to determine that those with self-transcendent values are most likely to actively engage with climate change related issues. This collection of research provides vital information for promoting sustainable practices successfully in campaigns and political policies. The authors first establish the difference between human values and the economic principle of valuation. A preference that can be influenced by the market, such as an incentive or discount, is one that is short-lived and does not influence long-term sustainable practices. The authors then state that values are a significant indication of engagement as they represent a relatively stable aspect of individuals’ personalities, preferences and behavior. Values may change slightly over the course of a lifetime but are relatively engrained as opposed to the transparency of economic values. Shalom Schwartz’s well established psychological theory divides values into four clusters: openness to change, conservative view of respecting tradition, self-transcendence, and self-enhancement. Self-transcendence is defined as focusing ones attention on others and being above one’s own ego. This includes characteristics like altruism or charitable behavior, forgiveness and loyalty. Continue reading →