Explaining Environmental Protection Behaviors Based on Environmental Attitudes, Awareness, Environmental Norms, and Cultural Consumption under Facilitating Conditions. (A Case Study of Sanandaj and Kirkuk)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

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

10.22034/jbpd.2026.145367.1033

Abstract

This study aimed to explain the factors influencing pro-environmental behaviors and to address the question of how intra-individual, interpersonal, and supra-individual factors affect citizens’ environmental behaviors in the cities of Sanandaj and Kirkuk, and through what mechanisms. The theoretical framework draws on an integrated perspective combining social psychology and sociology, emphasizing the role of environmental awareness and attitudes (intra-individual level), social norms and cultural consumption (interpersonal level), and facilitating conditions (supra-individual level) in shaping behavior. The research employed a quantitative survey method, and data were collected from citizens of Sanandaj and Kirkuk. Descriptive findings indicated that citizens of Sanandaj demonstrate higher levels of environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviors, while environmental attitudes are positive and relatively homogeneous in both cities. Correlation results show that environmental awareness and attitudes have a positive effect on pro-environmental behaviors, and social norms also exert a positive but relatively limited and statistically significant influence. In contrast, cultural consumption may have a non-aligned effect if it lacks environmentally oriented content. Furthermore, facilitating conditions play a significant moderating role in strengthening or weakening the relationship between awareness and attitudes and actual behavior; in the absence of adequate infrastructure, the translation of positive attitudes into practical action is constrained. Overall, the findings suggest that pro-environmental behavior is the outcome of multi-level interactions, and effective policymaking in this field requires an integrated approach based on targeted education, reinforcement of social norms, and the development of supportive infrastructure.

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 January 2026
  • Revise Date: 12 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 12 February 2026

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