Discussing the consequences of environmental education actions in a context of reflective modernity

Abstract

Objective: to discuss the reasons why the results of environmental education in hospitals do not correspond to the expected based on the concepts of Risk Society and Reflective Modernity, and pointing out alternatives for more effective educational actions in these institutions. Method: this was a qualitative research using a case study method by interviewing nine workers from the Environmental Education Nucleus of a hospital group. The data were collected by documentary research and semi-structured interview and analyzed by content analysis. Results: the two categories showed that some elements related to Reflective Modernity contributed to the low effectiveness of environmental education actions in hospitals. These included: the influence of abstract systems (specialists) regarding the thinking of individuals; The existence of protective cocoons, reflexivity without reflection, complicity and generalized irresponsibility in the face of ecological risks, and also the segmentation of the environments, which leads to the pluralization of the self in various selves. Conclusion: it is recommended to use educational experiences based on sensitivity, life and art, accompanied by reflection. This would make it possible to break with this logic of self-confrontation with environmental risks, without weaving a reflection on them, which is typical of Reflective Modernity. In addition, it is suggested that health institutions locally adopt and, locally, a sound pro-environmental policy.