How children from different socio-economic backgrounds think about cars and sustainability

What is it about?

This research explores the attitudes of children from different socio-economic backgrounds towards cars. This paper draws upon survey research among 140 upper elementary school children in the Netherlands. Comparative analysis shows that there are significant differences in attitudes of children from different backgrounds. Pupils from the affluent predominantly ethnically Dutch schools showed greater awareness of and concern about their parents’ and general use of cars, and less desire to own a car in the future, children from less economically advantaged schools demonstrated lower environmental awareness and concern and more desire to own a car in the future. This study is based on a small sample and indicates a need for large-scale follow-up study of children's attitudes towards cars.

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Why is it important?

This research explores the attitudes of children from different socio-economic backgrounds towards cars. This paper draws upon survey research among 140 upper elementary school children in the Netherlands. Comparative analysis shows that there are significant differences in attitudes of children from different backgrounds. Pupils from the affluent predominantly ethnically Dutch schools showed greater awareness of and concern about their parents’ and general use of cars, and less desire to own a car in the future, children from less economically advantaged schools demonstrated lower environmental awareness and concern and more desire to own a car in the future. This study is based on a small sample and indicates a need for large-scale follow-up study of children's attitudes towards cars.

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