Psychological Factors for the Formation of Collective Ecological Consciousness

Abstract

This article presents the results of a theoretical analysis of the concept of collective ecological consciousness from the standpoint of its characteristics. It also displays fundamental differences between ecological and individual consciousness. Furthermore, the paper depicts the correlation between environmental culture, which arises in the process of socialization, and the power of environmental intents aimed at protecting the environment. During the integration into society, an individual learns a universal system of beliefs, values, customs, traditions, norms, and rules that are followed by dominant public. They also evolve relationships with the world and nature surrounding them. In particular, in a society with a high level of development of collective ecological consciousness, young people from an early age employ effective strategies for the conservation and restoration of natural resources. Thus, the authors draw attention to the crisis of morality and spirituality, which is the main reason for developing a selfish type of collective ecological consciousness. The authors give examples of environmental education concepts and training to lay the theoretical foundation for developing effective programs to improve environmental culture in the younger generation.