Perspectives of scholars on the nature of sustainability: a survey study

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to investigate different ways in which faculty members of sustainability-related departments in universities across the world perceive, understand and define sustainability and how these definitions are linked to their demographics and epistemological beliefs. Design/methodology/approach Scholars from different disciplines investigate the sustainability of social-ecological systems from different perspectives. Such differences in the understanding of, and approaches to, sustainability have created ambiguity within the field and may weaken its effectiveness, impact and reputation as a field of research. To contribute to the discussion about sustainability definition, a survey was conducted involving university faculty members working in sustainability-related academic departments around the world. Participants’ responses were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 involving descriptive and inferential statistics and principle component analysis. Additionally, responses to open-ended questions were qualitatively analyzed. Findings Factor analysis on sustainability definition items reveal four emergent universal definitions of sustainability, labeled as Environmentalism concerns, Common understanding, neo-Malthusian environmentalism and Sustainability as well-being. Statistical analyses indicate that individuals from developed countries are more likely to define sustainability as Environmentalism and Common understanding; however, individuals from developing countries tend to define sustainability as well-being. Also, more heavily engaged scholars in interdisciplinary research of sustainability are more likely to perceive sustainability as Common understanding. Logistic Regression models demonstrate a connection between epistemological perspectives of researchers and sustainability definitions. Qualitative content analysis indicates that interdisciplinarity and collaboration are the most common challenges to sustainability research. Originality/value The findings of this study demonstrate disconnects between scholars from developing and developed countries in understanding and defining sustainability, and these disconnects may present further challenges for global sustainability scholarship.

The wheel of fortune as a novel support for constructive alignment and transformative sustainability learning in higher education

“…The concept of sustainability is a "slippery fish", best thought of as a field rather than a discipline (Rogers, 2019). Numerous definitions of sustainability can be found, linked to disciplinary perspectives (economics, building, business viability) (Aminpour, 2020;Weisser, 2017) or to global intentions such as the Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations, 2015). This multiplicity leads to vagueness and a lack of a shared understanding (Solov, 2005).…”

Back and forth to the campus: Tackling invasions through service-learning activities in higher education

“…However, similar to the difficulties in standardizing the definition of SL, the concept of sustainability offers multiple interpretations. For example, after conducting a survey among faculty members across the world, Aminpour et al (2020) point out that, despite the concept of sustainability being traditionally based on the pillars of environment, society and economy, the perception and definition of this concept varies depending on the background and experiences of the scholars interviewed. Specifically, Aminpour et al (2020) highlight that individuals from undeveloped countries tend to relate sustainability to well-being, while those from developed countries tend to focus on environmental aspects of the subject.…”

“…For example, after conducting a survey among faculty members across the world, Aminpour et al (2020) point out that, despite the concept of sustainability being traditionally based on the pillars of environment, society and economy, the perception and definition of this concept varies depending on the background and experiences of the scholars interviewed. Specifically, Aminpour et al (2020) highlight that individuals from undeveloped countries tend to relate sustainability to well-being, while those from developed countries tend to focus on environmental aspects of the subject. Thus, the ongoing debate on the complex nature and definition of both SL and sustainability makes it not surprising that both themes share a common desired feature: interdisciplinarity (Zweekhorst and Essink, 2019; Aminpour et al , 2020).…”

“…Specifically, Aminpour et al (2020) highlight that individuals from undeveloped countries tend to relate sustainability to well-being, while those from developed countries tend to focus on environmental aspects of the subject. Thus, the ongoing debate on the complex nature and definition of both SL and sustainability makes it not surprising that both themes share a common desired feature: interdisciplinarity (Zweekhorst and Essink, 2019; Aminpour et al , 2020).…”

Exploring personal definitions of sustainability and their impact on perceptions of sustainability culture

“…Aminpour et al (2020) had a 13% response rate, andOwens and Legere (2015) had a response rate ranging from approximately 2% to 7% for each subgroup. Table1presents descriptive statistics for each sample.…”