The Contribution of the Capability Approach to the Understanding of Young People’s Sustainability Engagement as a Positive Developmental Outcome.

Authors

  • Giulia Rossi Ph.D. Free University of Bozen, Italy
  • Martin Dodman Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Sustainability, University of Torino

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13135/2384-8677/2927

Abstract

Young people’s engagement with sustainability includes both civic and pro environmental behaviors (e.g. environmental activism) that contribute to the development of sustainable communities. It reflects a holistic idea of sustainability, where civic democracy and ecological integrity are strictly interconnected. The lack of empirical studies exploring this kind of engagement among young people may well be a consequence of the lack in the literature of a shared theoretical model that provides a framework for both types of behaviors. By integrating Positive Youth Development with the Capability Approach, the aim of this paper is to provide new theoretical input as a way of filling this gap. The proposed model is based on the idea that both positive individual and sustainable development are a question of social justice that takes place within specific domains and is related to understanding experience within life courses.

Key words: Positive Youth Development; Capability Approach; Young people; Engagement; Sustainability

Author Biography

Martin Dodman, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Sustainability, University of Torino


 


 

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Published

2018-10-19

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Original Papers