A Sociological Analysis of Determinants of Citizens’ Participation in Environmental Protection: A Theory of Planned Behavior Approach

Authors

1 Assistant professor, Department of sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

2 M.A. Student in Sociology, Department of Social Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, environmental crises have become one of the major challenges facing urban societies worldwide. In this context, citizen participation in environmental protection is considered a fundamental strategy for achieving environmental governance and sustainable management. The present study aimed to analyze the sociological factors influencing citizens’ participation in environmental protection, based on the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Methodology: The statistical population consisted of citizens over 18 years of age in Sanandaj. Using a multistage cluster sampling method and Cochran’s formula, a total of 424 individuals were selected as the final sample. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS software.
Results: The path analysis results showed that, among the eight proposed hypotheses, five were confirmed and three were rejected. The variables of participation awareness, perceived behavioral control, participation intention, and political environment had significant positive effects on citizens’ participatory behavior, whereas perceived benefits and subjective norms had no significant effect on behavioral intention. In addition, the mediating role of participation intention in the relationship between awareness and perceived control with participatory behavior was confirmed.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that urban environmental protection participation is influenced less by individual attitudes and more by actual awareness, self-efficacy, and institutional–political contexts. Therefore, strengthening environmental literacy, creating transparent participatory platforms, and enhancing public trust in responsible institutions are suggested as effective strategies to promote citizens’ participation in environmental policymaking.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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