Calling forth the change-makers

Abstract

Reflexivity theory can contribute in important ways to our understanding of how societies contend with climate change. Avoiding the catastrophic effects of “dangerous climate change” will require substantial change, yet emissions continue to rise. Social scientific research on climate change mitigation is dominated by a relatively small number of macro-theoretical frameworks, plus a rather large and disparate empirical literature on individual cognitions, attitudes and behaviors. We apply Archer’s reflexivity theory to a survey sample drawn from Alberta, Canada, showing that unique predispositions toward reflexivity offer strong predictors of willingness to engage in climate-related mitigative behaviors.