sociological Determinants of Environmental Awareness and Their Impact on the Shift Towards Sustainable Consumer Behavior in Libyan Society

Abstract

This research addresses the topic of sociological determinants and their relationship with environmental awareness and the shift towards sustainable consumption, focusing on Libyan society. The study is based on the premise that environmental issues are no longer merely natural problems but are deeply intertwined with social, economic, and cultural factors that influence the behavior of individuals and groups. The study demonstrates that environmental awareness is shaped by several key sociological determinants, most notably; educational level, as education contributes to increasing the perception of environmental problems; economic status, which affects consumption patterns and the adoption of sustainable values and behaviors; and culture and social tradition, which are among the most important determinants that either enhance or hinder environmental behavior. Additionally, the study highlights the role of media in disseminating environmental knowledge, and the family and social institution as the foundation of social upbringing. Furthermore, the research explores the concept of sustainable consumption, indicating, that it relies on rationalizing material use and reducing waste. The study emphasizes that negative practices, such as extravagance and pollution decrease as positive behavior-like recycling and resource preservation- increase. the research concludes with several recommendations, including the necessity of promoting environmental awareness through education and media, supporting sustainable environmental policies, encouraging community participation in environmental protection, and linking social and development dimensions to achieve sustainable development.