Understanding students' environmental perceptions and some of their determinants in Gauteng province: a case study at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore students' environmental perceptions and some of the determinants of these perceptions at the University of Johannesburg in the Gauteng province, South Africa. Students were asked if they perceive a positive future for the environment in Gauteng. Study results revealed that a large majority of students were neutral on whether they perceived a positive future for the environment in Gauteng, which may indicate their indifference or ambivalence to environmental issues in the province. The findings also alluded to the significance of gender (females), hometown origin (urban), and age as determinants of students' perceptions of the environment. Variables like faculty and campus were not strong determinants of students' perceptions of the environment. These results may be considered in the design of environmental policies and education meant to improve environmental behaviour in the province.